autocratic

[ aw-tuh-krat-ik ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of autocracy or of an autocrat; absolute

   autocratic government.

2. like an autocrat; tyrannical; despotic; domineering:

   autocratic behavior; an autocratic person.

Other Word Forms

• au·to·crat·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of autocratic¹

First recorded in 1815–25; autocrat + -ic

Example Sentences

It chronicled Trump’s autocratic tendencies — his attacks on the press, the judiciary and the electoral system — and warned that one of the world’s oldest democracies was in peril.

From Los Angeles Times

Bangladesh is at a pivotal moment in its history as it tries to rebuild after years of autocratic rule.

From BBC

Altheide offers these suggestions about how the American news media should adapt to Trump’s autocratic rule and quest for dictatorial power:

From Salon

These people have an extreme, autocratic, authoritarian agenda and we are seeing it unfold in real time before our eyes.

From Salon

The ultimate goal: to cement Trump’s autocratic rule and remove potential opposition.

From Salon

Related Words

• arbitrary
• dictatorial
• domineering
• imperious
• tyrannical