Heteronomous

/ˌhɛtərˈɑnəməs/ adjective

Subject to external laws or authority rather than self-governing; lacking autonomy or independence in decision-making. Describes a state of being controlled by outside forces rather than internal principles.

From Greek 'heteros' (different, other) + 'nomos' (law). Literally means 'subject to another's law,' contrasting with 'autonomous' (self-law). The term emphasizes dependence on external authority rather than self-governance.

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