nanny state

noun

1. a government perceived as authoritarian, interfering, or overprotective.

nanny state

noun

1. a government that makes decisions for people that they might otherwise make for themselves, esp those relating to private and personal behaviour

Word History and Origins

Origin of nanny state¹

First recorded in 1965–70

Example Sentences

Personal choice v nanny state; realism v idealism – there are few medical conditions that stir up such heated debate.

From BBC

Conservative leadership candidate Priti Patel said the proposals amounted to "nanny state regulation" that would be "economically damaging".

From BBC

“It’s just a nanny state that we’re causing here,” he said.

From Seattle Times

In January, Ms Truss - who was briefly prime minister after Mr Johnson - struck a similar note, arguing a Conservative government "should not be seeking to extend the nanny state".

From BBC

A ban would open Biden to attacks from the right for “nanny state” policies and from liberal reformers for how a ban would involve law enforcement.

From Slate