autocracy

[aw-tok-ruh-see]

noun

plural

autocracies 

1. government in which one person has uncontrolled or unlimited authority over others; the government or power of an absolute monarch.

2. a nation, state, or community ruled by an autocrat.

3. unlimited authority, power, or influence of one person in any group.

autocracy

/ ɔːˈtɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. government by an individual with unrestricted authority

2. the unrestricted authority of such an individual

3. a country, society, etc, ruled by an autocrat

autocracy

1. A system of government in which supreme political power is held by one person. (Compare constitutional monarchy, democracy, and oligarchy.)

Iraq under Saddam Hussein is an autocracy.

Word History and Origins

Origin of autocracy¹

First recorded in 1645–55; from Greek autokráteia “power over oneself, sole power,” from autokrat(ḗs) autocrat + -eia -ia

Example Sentences

The way harsh US tariffs have pushed India, the world's biggest democracy, so quickly into the warm embrace of China, the world's biggest autocracy, will also be of concern.

From BBC

It continues the trend of red states such as Texas, Indiana and Florida being laboratories for American autocracy and Trumpism.

From Salon

It’s always funny when conservative women who aid right-wing men in ushering in autocracy are surprised when those same men don’t want to see them in power.

From Salon

Florida and red states are often laboratories for autocracy.

From Salon

"We chose Europe, not autocracy," said a poster held by one demonstrator.

From BBC

Related Words

• despotism 
• dictatorship 
• oppression 
• tyranny