dictatorship
English meaning: Dictatorship
Definition
A system of government in which one person or a small group holds absolute power, usually without free elections. It often suppresses opposition and personal freedoms.
Example
“Under the dictatorship, newspapers were censored and anyone who criticized the leader risked imprisonment.”
Another example: “The people rose up to overthrow the dictatorship that had ruled them for decades.”
Usage — When, Where & How
A neutral-to-negative term in politics and history, carrying strong disapproval. Also used figuratively and humorously ('the dictatorship of fashion').
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From 'dictator', from Latin 'dictare' (to dictate, prescribe), originally a temporary Roman magistrate with full power.
Synonyms
- tyranny
- autocracy
- despotism
- totalitarianism
Antonyms / Opposites
Related Words
- dictator
- regime
- oppression
- authoritarianism
- junta
Common Collocations
- military dictatorship
- brutal dictatorship
- one-party dictatorship
- fall of the dictatorship
- under a dictatorship
Word Forms
dictatorship (n); dictatorships (pl); dictator (n); dictatorial (adj)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
15% of 200 = 30 · 15 is 7.5% of 200
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
CC-licensed · free to useVideo
Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B