önkényes

Önkényes is a Hungarian adjective meaning arbitrary or wilful, describing actions, decisions, or people guided by personal whim rather than rules, reason, or justification. The related noun önkény denotes arbitrary power or caprice, and the noun form önkényesség refers to the quality of being arbitrary. The term generally carries a negative connotation and is common in political, legal, or critical discourse to indicate unfairness, lack of due process, or abuses of power.

The word typically collocates with nouns such as döntés (decision), eljárás (procedure), hatalom (power), and ítélet (judgment). The adverbial form is önkényesen, used to describe how something is done. Examples: Az önkényes eljárás súlyosan érinti az emberek jogait. A vezető önkényesen döntött. Az önkényes hatalom használata veszélyezteti a jogállamiságot.

Etymology: the word is formed from prefix ön- meaning self or own and a root related to kény, linked to notions of will or convenience. The term is attested in Hungarian from the 19th century and has since remained a standard label for actions or authorities lacking objective justification or adherence to rules.

See also: szeszélyes (capricious), kényszer (coercion), jogállamiság (rule of law), hatalom (power).