autocrat

[aw-tuh-krat]

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.

autocrat

/ ˈɔːtəˌkræt /

noun

1. a ruler who possesses absolute and unrestricted authority

2. a domineering or dictatorial person

Word History and Origins

Origin of autocrat¹

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

Example Sentences

Firebrand newspaper proprietor and independent presidential candidate Ralph Volcere has used his weekly publication to denounce the priest-president as a self-serving autocrat – and has since been banished from State House press calls.

From BBC

Which is why autocrats always go after comedians pretty early on.

From Los Angeles Times

Around the world, autocrats have recognized the power of comedians to puncture preferred narratives, undermine authority and stoke dissent.

From Los Angeles Times

The would-be autocrat issuing diktats from the Oval Office may be odious to many.

From Los Angeles Times

In total, this tactic of burrowing into a democracy and then destroying it from within is a classic strategy among authoritarians and autocrats.

From Salon

Related Words

• despot 
• tyrant