dictatorship
dictatorship Lexical Profile
dictatorship Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in the hands of a single ruler or a small clique without constitutional limitations.
"The country transitioned from a military dictatorship to a parliamentary democracy in the late twentieth century."
A country, state, or territory governed by a dictator.
"Several neighboring nations imposed economic sanctions on the dictatorship."
The office, position, or term of rule of a dictator (including the historical Roman magistrate).
"During his brief dictatorship in ancient Rome, Cincinnatus swiftly resolved the crisis and resigned his authority."
• Rhymes for dictatorship
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Formed in English from 'dictator' plus the suffix '-ship'. The base word comes from Latin 'dictator', originally an extraordinary Roman magistrate appointed with absolute authority during a crisis, from 'dictare' (to assert repeatedly or command).