noun

autocracy

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Autocracy (noun) means a system of government in which one person holds complete power and is not meaningfully answerable to voters, courts or a parliament. Example: “The republic slid into autocracy within a decade of the coup.”

noun

A system of government in which one person holds complete power and is not meaningfully answerable to voters, courts or a parliament.

"The republic slid into autocracy within a decade of the coup."

"Elections in an autocracy tend to confirm the leader rather than test him."

A country or organisation ruled in this way.

"The summit brought together several democracies and two long-established autocracies."

Domineering control exercised by one person in a smaller setting such as a company or household.

"The firm was run as a benign autocracy by its founder."

How to use autocracy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishRule by one person who answers to no one.

When to use it

Formal, and almost always critical. The related words are autocrat for the ruler and autocratic for the style of rule.

Memory tip

Do not confuse autocracy with aristocracy, which is rule by a hereditary noble class rather than by a single person.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

aristocracy → autonomy → oligarchy → theocracy → dictatorship → monarchy →

Common pairings

slide into autocracy modern autocracy elected autocracy autocracy and democracy

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “autocracy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The republic slid into _____ within a decade of the coup.

Etymology

From Greek autokrateia 'absolute rule', from autos 'self' and kratos 'power, rule'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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dictatorship despotism absolutism tyranny autarchy

Antonyms

democracy republic

Related words

public country nation republic democratic democracy commonwealth persecution

Rhymes for autocracy

racy lacy Macy Gacy Stacy Tracy lunacy papacy legacy piracy privacy fallacy

See all rhymes for autocracy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between autocracy and dictatorship?

Autocracy describes the structure: one person holds unchecked power, whether as a monarch, president or party leader. Dictatorship usually implies that this power was seized or is held by force, so every dictatorship is an autocracy but an inherited absolute monarchy is an autocracy without being a dictatorship.

What is the difference between autocracy and oligarchy?

An autocracy concentrates power in one individual, while an oligarchy places it in the hands of a small group such as military officers, wealthy families or party elites. In practice regimes often drift between the two.

What is the meaning of autocracy?

"autocracy" (noun) means a system of government in which one person holds complete power and is not meaningfully answerable to voters, courts or a parliament.

What is another word for autocracy?

Other words for "autocracy" include dictatorship, despotism, absolutism, tyranny, autarchy.

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public country nation republic democratic democracy commonwealth persecution