Heteronomy

Pronunciation: /ˈhiˈtɝˈoʊnoʊˈmaɪ/

Heteronomy (noun)

  1. A situation where a person’s choices are controlled by rules or demands coming from outside, not from their own reasons.
  2. In moral theory, the idea that right actions depend on external commands rather than on a person’s own rational will.
  3. In linguistics, a pattern where one language variety or system is influenced by another, shaping its rules.

Examples

  • Her choices felt like rules from outside.
  • The group followed rules from outside, not their own plans.