autocrat

American  

[aw-tuh-krat] / ˈɔ təˌkræt /

noun

1. an absolute ruler, especially a monarch who holds and exercises the powers of government as by inherent right, not subject to restrictions.

2. a person invested with or claiming to exercise absolute authority.

3. a person who behaves in an authoritarian manner; a domineering person.

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autocrat British  

/ ˈɔːtəˌkræt /

noun

1. a ruler who possesses absolute and unrestricted authority

2. a domineering or dictatorial person

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Etymology

Origin of autocrat

First recorded in 1795–1805; from Greek autokratḗs “self-ruling, ruling alone,” from auto- auto- ¹ + krát(os) “power” + -ēs, adjective suffix

Example Sentences

The attack was the first major test of a new American security partnership with the government of Sharaa, a former rebel leader who led the overthrow of autocrat Bashar al-Assad last year.

From The Wall Street Journal

Vladimir Putin may have a reputation among some as a ruthless autocrat, a master manipulator of the international scene.

From BBC

It is difficult for Spaniards to face up to the fact that they lived, largely uncomplaining, under an autocrat for 36 years.

From The Wall Street Journal

As is now widely recognized, modern 21st-century autocrats generally do not take over in sudden, brutal displays of force.

From Salon

He also said he would seek to govern "without ever yielding to the temptation to be an autocrat".

From BBC

Related Words

• despot
• tyrant