autocratic

Also au·to·crat·i·cal

[aw-tuh-krat-ik]

adjective

1. pertaining to or of the nature of autocracy or of an autocrat; absolute

   autocratic government.

2. like an autocrat; tyrannical; despotic; domineering.

   autocratic behavior; an autocratic person.

Other Word Forms

• autocratically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of autocratic¹

First recorded in 1815–25; autocrat + -ic

Example Sentences

Some users criticized the launch, warning that it could expose the locations of dissidents and protestors in autocratic states.

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The police force was cast into turmoil after the 2024 overthrow of the autocratic government of now-convicted fugitive Sheikh Hasina, which left at least 1,400 dead and thousands maimed -- many by police gunfire.

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But in recent years she was accused of turning autocratic and clamping down on any opposition to her rule.

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China is effectively a one-party state and some argue its autocratic system succeeds because of its long-term strategic planning.

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"This is a case of 'autocratic legalism'," Shah told AFP.

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Related Words

• arbitrary 
• dictatorial 
• domineering 
• imperious 
• tyrannical