theocracy

[ thee-ok-ruh-see ]

noun

, plural the·oc·ra·cies.

1. a form of government in which God or a deity is recognized as the supreme civil ruler, the God's or deity's laws being interpreted by the ecclesiastical authorities.
2. a system of government by priests claiming a divine commission.
3. a commonwealth or state under such a form or system of government.

theocracy

/ θɪˈɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. government by a deity or by a priesthood
2. a community or political unit under such government

theocracy

1. A nation or state in which the clergy exercise political power and in which religious law is dominant over civil law. Iran led by the Ayatollah Khomeini was a theocracy under the Islamic clergy. ( See Islam .)

Derived Forms

• ˈtheoˌcrat, noun
• ˌtheoˈcratically, adverb
• ˌtheoˈcratic, adjective

Other Words From

• the·o·crat·ic [thee-, uh, -, krat, -ik], the·o·crat·i·cal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of theocracy¹

From the Greek word theokratía, dating back to 1615–25; theo-, -cracy

Example Sentences

Most Americans reject theocracy by judicial decree, with 6 in 10 opposing the Dobbs decision.

From Time

He challenged the very core of the Iranian theocracy and demanded respect for basic human rights.

From The Daily Beast

Earlier this year, he described Israel as “a functioning theocracy . . . that operates Apartheid.”

From The Daily Beast

Today, Iran talks a good game, but it remains a brutal theocracy that does not trust its people to speak or write freely.

From The Daily Beast

Salafis, who believe in a Muslim theocracy, say the Egyptian government must interpret Shariah and enforce it upon the nation.

From The Daily Beast

They point to the dangers of obvious demographic changes under occupation; some even speak glibly of an emerging theocracy.

From The Daily Beast

Under the theocracy, Israel, in things civil and religious were called to obey God as their king.

From Project Gutenberg

But he had an intermittent dread that democracy, like theocracy and monarchy, might forget the law of God.

From Project Gutenberg

The Jewish nation is, without reference to accidental modifications, a perpetual aristocracy under the appearance of a theocracy.

From Project Gutenberg

We have traced it in the middle ages burning the rich mans chteaux and experimenting in theocracy and communism.

From Project Gutenberg

This mistake has been confirmed, if it was not originated, by the organization of the great Jewish theocracy.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• church-state
• hierocracy