patriarchy

[ pey-tree-ahr-kee ]

noun

, plural pa·tri·arch·ies.

1. a form of social organization in which the father is the supreme authority in the family, clan, or tribe and descent is reckoned in the male line, with the children belonging to the father's clan or tribe.
2. a society, community, or country based on this social organization.
3. a social system in which power is held by men, through cultural norms and customs that favor men and withhold opportunity from women:

   The corporate glass ceiling is one consequence of patriarchy in education and business.

4. Often the Patriarchy. the men in power in a society:

   The Patriarchy is vested in maintenance of the status quo.

patriarchy

/ ˈpeɪtrɪˌɑːkɪ /

noun

1. a form of social organization in which a male is the head of the family and descent, kinship, and title are traced through the male line
2. any society governed by such a system

patriarchy

1. A family or society in which authority is vested in males, through whom descent and inheritance are traced. ( See also matriarchy and primogeniture .)

Other Words From

• anti·patri·archy noun plural antipatriarchies

Word History and Origins

Origin of patriarchy¹

First recorded in 1555–65; ultimately from Greek patriarchía, derivation of patriárchēs and -ía noun suffix; patriarch ( def ), -y ³( def )

Example Sentences

For people who already believe that male dominance and patriarchy are mandated by God, it's easy to feel resentful when told the price of power is duty.

From Salon

By not putting a qualified woman in charge in 2016 and by not putting a qualified woman in charge in 2024, we revealed that the patriarchy dies hard, and with it, America.

From Salon

Black American liberals rejected the elements of feudalism they recognized in racial prejudice, paternalism and patriarchy.

From Salon

Procrastination is rarely a virtue, but in this case, it's an excellent way to stick it to the patriarchy.

From Salon

As a boy born in the 1980s, I wasn’t taught to pay attention to the chokehold that the patriarchy has on women.

From Salon

Related Words

• patriarchism
• patriarchship