Autocrat
noun
A leader who has complete power and uses it in a harsh way.
The autocrat had no regard for the rights of his subjects.
noun
A person who behaves like an autocrat, being bossy and domineering.
He behaves like an autocrat at work, micromanaging everyone's tasks.
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
noun
A leader who has complete power and uses it in a harsh way.
The autocrat had no regard for the rights of his subjects.
noun
A person who behaves like an autocrat, being bossy and domineering.
He behaves like an autocrat at work, micromanaging everyone's tasks.
Usage tips
Disapproving
Colloquial
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Power Abuse
Emphasizes abuse of power and no accountability, often in politics or history.
The history book described the ruler as an autocrat who oppressed the people.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Carries a negative meaning, suggesting unfairness or cruelty in leadership.
Employees complained that the new CEO was an autocrat, ignoring their input.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Usage
Used in literature to portray a character with absolute power, often a villain.
In the novel, the autocrat's downfall was celebrated by all.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Abuse
Emphasizes abuse of power and no accountability, often in politics or history.
The history book described the ruler as an autocrat who oppressed the people.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Carries a negative meaning, suggesting unfairness or cruelty in leadership.
Employees complained that the new CEO was an autocrat, ignoring their input.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Usage
Used in literature to portray a character with absolute power, often a villain.
In the novel, the autocrat's downfall was celebrated by all.
Pro Tip 1/3Power Abuse
Emphasizes abuse of power and no accountability, often in politics or history.
The history book described the ruler as an autocrat who oppressed the people.
Pro Tip 2/3Negative Connotation
Carries a negative meaning, suggesting unfairness or cruelty in leadership.
Employees complained that the new CEO was an autocrat, ignoring their input.
Pro Tip 3/3Literary Usage
Used in literature to portray a character with absolute power, often a villain.
In the novel, the autocrat's downfall was celebrated by all.
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Video examples
A free world needs...
that citizens of free societies -- actually, citizens of any society -- need humor as much as the air we breathe. This is why the extremists, the dictators, the autocrats and, frankly, all the ideologues of the world
Video examples
A free world needs...
that citizens of free societies -- actually, citizens of any society -- need humor as much as the air we breathe. This is why the extremists, the dictators, the autocrats and, frankly, all the ideologues of the world
Example 1 of 1
Quote examples
Chrystia Freeland
Canadian Musician
The one source of criticism even the most repressive authoritarian leader cannot silence is the outside world. Autocrats are usually thin-skinned and like to be admired, so at least, at first, they often seek to be praised abroad.
Quote examples
Tom Stoppard
English Dramatist
One senses that all the Bolsheviks, even those who ended up as cold-blooded autocrats, had been on a journey from idealism to something else, and didn't notice - to mix periods - when the Rubicon was crossed.
Quote examples
Masha Gessen
Russian Journalist
Donald Trump ran for autocrat, he didn't run for president. The first thing in autocrat does is take over the media, or alienate the media, which is what Trump is doing, he is doing it actively.
Quote examples
Narendra Modi
Indian Politician
If I am judged for my work, many myths about me as an autocrat or otherwise would become clearer. I feel false propaganda will not last, and truth will ultimately prevail.
Quote examples
Tom Hiddleston
English Actor
You look at the greatest villains in human history, the fascists, the autocrats, they all wanted people to kneel before them because they don't love themselves enough.
Quote examples
Mona Eltahawy
Egyptian Journalist
When we complain to Egypt's Western allies about whichever autocrat is in power, we are asked, 'But who is the alternative?' It is a question designed to frustrate.
Quote examples
David Dellinger
No matter how superficially fair the judge is, he is still the complete autocrat in the courtroom, and he still comes from the ruling class.
Quote examples
Catherine the Great
Russian Royalty
I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.
Quote examples
Joy Reid
American Journalist
Trump has humbled our country under the shadow of China's autocrat Xi Jinping.
Quote examples
Lawrence Durrell
British Writer
No one can go on being a rebel too long without turning into an autocrat.
Quote examples
Chrystia Freeland
Canadian Musician
The one source of criticism even the most repressive authoritarian leader cannot silence is the outside world. Autocrats are usually thin-skinned and like to be admired, so at least, at first, they often seek to be praised abroad.
Quote examples
Tom Stoppard
English Dramatist
One senses that all the Bolsheviks, even those who ended up as cold-blooded autocrats, had been on a journey from idealism to something else, and didn't notice - to mix periods - when the Rubicon was crossed.
Quote examples
Masha Gessen
Russian Journalist
Donald Trump ran for autocrat, he didn't run for president. The first thing in autocrat does is take over the media, or alienate the media, which is what Trump is doing, he is doing it actively.
Quote examples
Narendra Modi
Indian Politician
If I am judged for my work, many myths about me as an autocrat or otherwise would become clearer. I feel false propaganda will not last, and truth will ultimately prevail.
Quote examples
Tom Hiddleston
English Actor
You look at the greatest villains in human history, the fascists, the autocrats, they all wanted people to kneel before them because they don't love themselves enough.
Quote examples
Mona Eltahawy
Egyptian Journalist
When we complain to Egypt's Western allies about whichever autocrat is in power, we are asked, 'But who is the alternative?' It is a question designed to frustrate.
Quote examples
David Dellinger
No matter how superficially fair the judge is, he is still the complete autocrat in the courtroom, and he still comes from the ruling class.
Quote examples
Catherine the Great
Russian Royalty
I shall be an autocrat: that's my trade. And the good Lord will forgive me: that's his.
Quote examples
Joy Reid
American Journalist
Trump has humbled our country under the shadow of China's autocrat Xi Jinping.
Quote examples
Lawrence Durrell
British Writer
No one can go on being a rebel too long without turning into an autocrat.
Example 1 of 10
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