Heteronomy
/ˌhɛtərəˈnɒmi/noun
The condition of being governed by an external law, force, or authority rather than by one’s own will.
Did you know?The word comes from Greek roots for “other” and “law,” and in philosophy it became a sharp contrast to autonomy: self-rule versus being controlled from beyond.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
heteronomía (ἑτερονομία)
“being subject to another’s law or rule”
Late Greek / Philosophical usage
Greek
heteronomos (ἑτερόνομος)
“governed by another law”
17th–18th Century
Latin
heteronomia
“a term used in learned philosophical writing for dependence on external law”
19th Century
English
heteronomy
“the condition of being ruled by external law or authority”
Modern English
English
heteronomy
“the state of being governed by an outside law, force, or authority”
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