Dictatorship

/dɪkˈteɪtəˌʃɪp/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A system of government in which a single person or party possesses absolute power, often obtained and maintained by force.

The country lived under a harsh dictatorship for decades until a peaceful revolution restored democracy.

The exercise of absolute power or control over a group or organization.

The dictatorship of the organization stifled creativity and independent thought among its members.

A government or political system in which power is concentrated in a dictator or a small group.

Many citizens opposed the dictatorship, calling for free elections and political reforms.

From Latin dictare ('to say, proclaim') and -ship denoting a state or condition.

benevolent dictatorship

A governing system where a dictator exercises absolute power but does so with the intention of benefiting the populace.

military dictatorship

A form of dictatorship in which the military controls the government.

single-party dictatorship

A political system where a single political party forms the government and no other parties are allowed to operate.

dictator

A ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.

authoritarian

Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.

totalitarian

Relating to a system of government that is centralized and dictatorial and requires complete subservience to the state.

The Big Cheese

In our organization, he's the Big Cheese, making all the decisions unilaterally.

Bossman

Under the current regime, the Bossman doesn't tolerate any criticism.