dictator

[ dik-tey-ter, dik-tey-ter ]

noun

1. a person exercising absolute power, especially a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession.
2. (in ancient Rome) a person invested with supreme authority during a crisis, the regular magistracy being subordinated to him until the crisis was met.
3. a person who authoritatively prescribes conduct, usage, etc.:

   a dictator of fashion.

4. a person who dictates, as to a secretary.

dictator

/ dɪkˈteɪtə; dɪkˈteɪtrɪs; ˈdɪktətrɪks /

noun

1. 1. a ruler who is not effectively restricted by a constitution, laws, recognized opposition, etc
   2. an absolute, esp tyrannical, ruler
2. (in ancient Rome) a person appointed during a crisis to exercise supreme authority
3. a person who makes pronouncements, as on conduct, fashion, etc, which are regarded as authoritative
4. a person who behaves in an authoritarian or tyrannical manner

Derived Forms

• dictatress, noun:feminine

Word History and Origins

Origin of dictator¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English, from Latin dictātor, from dictā(re) “to say repeatedly, prescribe, order” ( dictate ) + -tor -tor

Example Sentences

She pledged to stand by our allies, stand up to dictators and ensure that America had the world’s most lethal fighting force.

From Salon

How did we allow a convicted felon, compulsive liar, adjudicated sexual abuser and wannabe dictator to be elected our nation’s president?

From Los Angeles Times

Often described as Europe's "last dictator", he has tried to preserve elements of Soviet communism.

From BBC

Trump has promised to be a dictator on “day one.”

From Salon

I knew that this version of the United States of America was not going to elect a supremely qualified Black woman even if the alternative is an aspiring dictator who is a White man.

From Salon

Related Words

• authoritarian
• autocrat
• commander
• despot
• totalitarian
• tyrant