'Paternalism' definitions:

Definition of 'paternalism'

From: WordNet
noun
The attitude (of a person or a government) that subordinates should be controlled in a fatherly way for their own good

Definition of 'Paternalism'

From: GCIDE
  • Paternalism \Pa*ter"nal*ism\, n. (Polit. Science) The theory or practice of paternal government. See {Paternal government}, under Paternal. --London Times. [1913 Webster]