rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryautocratAbsolute authority
noun

autocrat

AW-tuh-krat/ˈɔːtəkræt/

A person who holds or demands complete power over others.

The autocrat issues orders without consulting the council or accepting criticism.

An older white fictional ruler grips a scepter alone on an imposing throne.
Etymology
autoGreekself
+cratGreekstrength, power

Self and power combine in the image of a person ruling alone. An autocrat holds governmental power without restrictions, rather than exercising authority limited by others.

In context

Harvard Kennedy School2:49
If we would not submit to an emperor, we should not submit to an autocrat of trade with power to prevent competition and to fix the price
Lina Khan Speaks About Anti-Trust to the Harvard Kennedy School

More examples

  • Employees described the director as an autocrat.
  • The uprising challenged a dynasty of powerful autocrats.
  • An autocrat may treat disagreement as disobedience.

Forms

autocrat · autocrats

autocratic adjective — Demanding obedience or exercising absolute power.

Similar words

dictator
Usually refers to a political ruler with unchecked power.
tyrant
Emphasizes cruel or oppressive use of power.