Autocrat: meaning, definitions and examples

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autocrat

[ˈɔːtəkræt ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

government

A ruler who has absolute power; a dictator.

Synonyms

authoritarian, despot, dictator, tyrant.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
autocrat	Use this word to describe a ruler with absolute power, often not restricted by laws or constitutions; generally neutral but can imply a lack of democracy. The country was ruled by an autocrat who had no limits on his power. As an autocrat, he made decisions without consulting anyone.
dictator	Commonly used to describe a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained power by force; generally negative. The dictator suspended the constitution and dissolved the parliament. After the coup, he installed himself as the dictator of the nation.
despot	Best used to describe a ruler who exercises power in a cruel or oppressive way; has a strong negative connotation. The despot imposed harsh penalties on anyone who dared to criticize him. Living under a despot made life unbearable for the citizens.
tyrant	Useful to describe a ruler who is cruel and unjust; has a very strong negative connotation. The tyrant's reign was marked by fear and widespread suffering. People revolted against the tyrant who had oppressed them for years.
authoritarian	Appropriate for describing a governance style where power is concentrated in one authority, and strict obedience is required from the population, often with limited political freedoms. The authoritarian regime banned all opposition parties. An authoritarian leader often controls the media and suppresses dissent.

Examples of usage

The autocrat ruled with an iron fist, suppressing any opposition.
The autocrat's oppressive regime led to protests and uprisings.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

organization

A person who behaves in an authoritarian manner, especially within an organization.

Synonyms

authoritarian, bossy, controlling, domineering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
autocrat	This word is best used to describe a ruler or leader who holds absolute power and expects unquestioning obedience. It often has political or historical connotations. The country fell under the rule of an autocrat who dissolved the parliament. Historians often compare him to the autocrats of the past century.
authoritarian	This term is suitable for describing a governing style or regime that demands strict obedience at the cost of personal freedom. It can be applied to both political contexts or organizational environments. The authoritarian regime restricted free speech and assembly. The company's authoritarian management style led to low employee morale.
bossy	This word is often used in informal or everyday situations to describe someone who tends to give orders in a way that irritates others. It has a negative connotation. My older sister is so bossy; she always tells me what to do. His bossy attitude made him unpopular among his colleagues.
domineering	This word describes someone who asserts their will over others in an arrogant way, often used in contexts where someone's overbearing behavior is being criticized. Her domineering personality made it difficult for her to maintain friendships. He was known for his domineering approach to leadership, often stifling creativity.
controlling	This term is used to describe someone who tries to dominate or manage every aspect, often in personal relationships or work settings. Its use tends to suggest a negative view of their behavior. Her controlling boyfriend wouldn't let her go out with her friends. The manager's controlling nature made it hard for the team to work independently.

Examples of usage

The CEO was seen as an autocrat, making all decisions without consulting the team.
The autocrat manager micromanaged every aspect of the project.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The term originates from the Greek word 'autokrates', which means 'self-power', referring to someone who rules alone.
Autocracy has its roots in ancient civilizations, where rulers like pharaohs in Egypt held absolute power over their kingdoms.
In ancient Rome, autocrats were often referred to as emperors, governing vast territories without democratic input.

Political Science

In an autocratic system, the leader often maintains control through force or suppression of dissent, limiting freedoms.
Autocracies can emerge in various forms, such as dictatorships, monarchies, or even in some political parties that do not allow opposition.
While autocrats can provide stability, their rule can lead to human rights abuses, as seen in several authoritarian regimes.

Contemporary Examples

Notable modern autocrats include leaders like Kim Jong-un of North Korea and Vladimir Putin of Russia, who centralize power in their hands.
Many countries where autocrats rule often experience limited press freedoms and censorship, impacting public discourse.
The rise of autocratic tendencies has been observed even in democracies, where elected leaders sometimes bypass democratic norms.

Psychology

Research shows that individuals in power may develop a heightened sense of entitlement, leading to more autocratic behaviors.
Psychological studies reveal that autocrats may struggle with trust and vulnerability, resulting in controlling leadership styles.
People under autocratic regimes may experience learned helplessness, feeling powerless due to the lack of agency in their lives.

Literature

Many dystopian novels, such as George Orwell's '1984', explore the themes of oppressive regimes led by autocratic leaders.
In classic literature, characters representing autocratic rulers often showcase the struggles between freedom and totalitarian control.
Autocracy is a recurrent theme in political philosophy, with notable works discussing the moral implications of concentration of power.

Translations

Translations of the word "autocrat" in other languages:

🇵🇹 autocrata

🇮🇳 स्वेच्छाचारी

🇩🇪 Autokrat

🇮🇩 autokrat

🇺🇦 автократ

🇵🇱 autokrata

🇯🇵 独裁者 (どくさいしゃ)

🇫🇷 autocrate

🇪🇸 autócrata

🇹🇷 otokrat

🇰🇷 독재자 (독재자)

🇸🇦 مستبد

🇨🇿 autokrat

🇸🇰 autokrat

🇨🇳 独裁者 (dú cái zhě)

🇸🇮 avtokrat

🇮🇸 einræðisherra

🇰🇿 автократ

🇬🇪 ავტოკრატი

🇦🇿 avtokrat

🇲🇽 autócrata

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #27,045, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
27042 swiveled
27043 oversupply
27044 enthused
27045 autocrat
27046 trafficked
27047 octagon
27048 inferno
...