Vocabulary Builder — Essay & Answer Writing
Paternalism
noun
/ puh-TUR-nuh-liz-uhm /
Medium
Meaning
The policy or practice of restricting the freedom or autonomy of individuals or groups, ostensibly for their own good
Origin / Etymology
Latin pater, 'father,' + the noun suffix -ism
Synonyms
Overprotection
Guardianship
Antonyms
Autonomy
Libertarianism
Example Sentence
"Proposed drug screening of incoming IIT and IIM students raises the classic GS4 tension between individual autonomy and institutional paternalism, sharpened here by the power asymmetry between student and institution."
🎯 UPSC Usage
A staple GS4 and Essay word for balancing state benevolence against individual liberty, e.g., 'public-health mandates in educational institutions walk a fine line between legitimate paternalism and unconstitutional overreach into personal autonomy.'
Relevant Subjects
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