paternalism

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Cooper said there is a need for "partnership not paternalism", with the UK seeking to be "an investor not just a donor" to help other countries "attract finance, not be dependent on aid".

From BBC • Mar. 19, 2026

"The decision to end life must rest with the patient," he argued, adding that medical paternalism long ago took a back seat in Canada.

From Barron's • Feb. 25, 2026

Aid became a bastion of paternalism or, as some came to see it, neocolonialism.

From The Wall Street Journal • Nov. 7, 2025

I would say it's paternalism, the idea that the leaders know what's best for everyone else and therefore can act for everyone else, and the idea of being a chosen people, of exceptionalism.

From Salon • May 26, 2025

And he did it all out of the goodness of his heart, without any trace of condescension or paternalism.

From "Kaffir Boy: An Autobiography" by Mark Mathabane