1. describing or relating to a political system or climate that involves the restriction of individual freedoms and the subjugation of individuals to a centralized, hierarchical authority. for example, any group where decisions rest solely with the leader. 2. describing an individual, especially but not limited to one in a position of authority, who favors restrictive, autocratic methods when interacting with others - for example, an authoritarian parent would be cold but dominant. See also personality.