theocratic

American  

[thee-uh-krat-ik] / ˌθi əˈkræt ɪk /

Rarely theocratical

adjective

1. having to do with theocracy, a form of government based on a specific religion or deity.

   If government and religion are not actively kept separate, it follows that the government is theocratic to a degree.

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Other Word Forms

• nontheocratic
  adjective
• nontheocratical
  adjective
• nontheocratically
  adverb
• theocratically
  adverb

Etymology

Origin of theocratic

First recorded in 1685–95; from Greek theokrat(ía) ( see theocracy ( def. )) + -ic ( def. )

Explanation

Things that are theocratic are ruled by leaders who claim their authority comes from a god. Churches are typically theocratic organizations — and so are some governments. When a government is theocratic, you can also call it a theocracy. You might see some similarities between the words theocratic and democratic. Both are ways to rule or govern, from the Greek roots theo-, "God," and dēmos, "the people." In a democratic society, the people rule, and in a theocratic regime, God (or those claiming to speak for God) rules.

Example Sentences

“The Iranians seem to be stiffening,” Banks said, arguing that Iran’s long-held theocratic government “won’t be replaced overnight.”

From Salon • Mar. 10, 2026

Ethnic Persians are about half the population, and even those who detest the theocratic regime don’t want the country to break up or descend into civil war.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 8, 2026

While the repression had an initial chilling effect on the demonstrations, it also gave Iranians another reason to oppose their theocratic rulers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 22, 2026

Although many Iranian immigrants hope the theocratic regime in Iran will be toppled, they fear for loved ones left behind, and said they preferred to not be in the public eye.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 14, 2026

Norte Chico chiefdoms were almost certainly theocratic, though not brutally so; leaders induced followers to obey by a combination of ideology, charisma, and skillfully timed positive reinforcement.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann