adjective

autocratic

aw-tuh-KRAT-ik/ˌɔːtəˈkrætɪk/

Exercising absolute power or demanding unquestioned obedience.

The manager's autocratic style leaves employees no say in important decisions.

A severe South Asian fictional manager dictates instructions while colleagues have no chance to speak.

Etymology

autoGreekself

+cratGreekstrength, power

+icEnglishrelating to

“Self” and “power” combine in the idea of ruling by oneself. Autocratic power belongs to a ruler who governs independently of restrictions, rather than through others’ consent.

In context

AmandaFoxFlipped1:31

I'm going to give you two examples of types of autocratic government one being an absolute or totalitarian dictatorship

Autocracy

More examples

The country endured decades of autocratic rule.
An autocratic leader may refuse to explain decisions.
The committee rejected his autocratic approach to a shared project.

Forms

autocrat noun — Someone who holds or demands complete power.

Similar words

authoritarian: Emphasizes strict obedience and suppression of independent judgment.
dictatorial: Suggests issuing orders with little tolerance for opposition.