adjective
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of or relating to an absolute and unrestricted ruler
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domineering or dictatorial
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of autocratic
Explanation
Autocratic describes a way of ruling, but not in a nice way. An autocratic leader is one who rules with an iron fist; in other words — someone with the behavior of a dictator. Autocratic rulers don't tend to be popular. They use fear and control to gain total power over their people. Often, their country is left destitute as a result of their actions. The word autocratic is often used to describe the head of a country, but really, anyone who is a despotic leader can qualify — including the boss who threatens to fire you if you refuse to polish his shoes and work every holiday.
Vocabulary lists containing autocratic
To Thine Own Self Be True: Auto
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Do it Yourself: Words Beginning with "AUTO"
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Murder on the Orient Express
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Autocratic leaders draw inspiration and strategy ideas from one another.
From Salon • Sep. 23, 2025
Autocratic, micromanaging, always right, insecure and inexperienced bad.
From New York Times • Dec. 17, 2021
Autocratic leaders, as Joachim Fest writes, are often "demonic nonentities."
From Salon • Sep. 28, 2021
Autocratic governments around the world learned from Egypt and have invested in online-surveillance gear.
From Economist • Mar. 23, 2016
Moreover, when the moment comes for getting rid of the Autocratic Power, they would prefer a gradual process of liquidation to a sudden cataclysm.
From Russia by Wallace, Donald Mackenzie, Sir
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
