autocracy vs. dictatorship

autocracy

[ aw-tok-ruh-see ]show ipa

noun,

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.

dictatorship

[ dik-tey-ter-ship, dik-tey- ]show ipa

noun

1. a country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator.
2. absolute, imperious, or overbearing power or control.
3. the office or position held by a dictator.