noun
dictator
DIK-tay-ter/ˈdɪkteɪtər/
A ruler or other person who exercises absolute, often oppressive authority.
The dictator commands an officer while a restrained civilian stands below.
Etymology
The agent ending makes this someone who prescribes or directs. Originally a Roman magistrate temporarily granted absolute authority, a dictator later meant an absolute ruler more generally.
In context
the governments of a great number of cities states were seized illegally or overthrown by a tyrannos or Tyrant who ruled as an absolute ruler or dictator
More examples
- The dictator suppressed dissent.
- Several dictators ruled in succession.
- She acted like a dictator in every meeting.
Forms
dictator · dictators
dictatorship noun — government under an absolute ruler