Autocrat Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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autocrat
[หษหtษkrรฆt ]
Definitions
government
A ruler who has absolute power; a dictator.
Synonyms
authoritarian, despot, dictator, tyrant.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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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.
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dictator |
Commonly used to describe a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained power by force; generally negative.
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despot |
Best used to describe a ruler who exercises power in a cruel or oppressive way; has a strong negative connotation.
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tyrant |
Useful to describe a ruler who is cruel and unjust; has a very strong negative connotation.
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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.
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Examples of usage
- The autocrat ruled with an iron fist, suppressing any opposition.
- The autocrat's oppressive regime led to protests and uprisings.
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 |
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
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.
Origin of 'autocrat'
The word 'autocrat' originated in the early 19th century, from the French autocrate, via the Latin autocrator, from the Greek autokratลr, meaning 'ruler'. The concept of autocracy has been prevalent throughout history, with rulers like Julius Caesar and Napoleon Bonaparte often associated with autocratic rule. In modern times, autocrats continue to exist in various forms of government and organizations.
See also: autocracy, autocratic.
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.
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- 27042 swiveled
- 27043 oversupply
- 27044 enthused
- 27045 autocrat
- 27046 trafficked
- 27047 octagon
- 27048 inferno
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