noun

theocracy

thee-OK-ruh-see

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Theocracy (noun) means a system of government in which religious leaders rule in the name of a god, and religious law is the law of the state. Example: “Critics warned that the new blasphemy laws were a step towards theocracy.”

noun

A system of government in which religious leaders rule in the name of a god, and religious law is the law of the state.

"Critics warned that the new blasphemy laws were a step towards theocracy."

"Iran is often described as a theocracy."

A state or country governed in this way.

"The book compares three modern theocracies."

How to use theocracy

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA country run by religious leaders according to religious law.

When to use it

Formal, common in political journalism. Often used critically, as a warning label for a state seen as mixing religion and law too closely.

Memory tip

A country with an official religion is not automatically a theocracy — the test is whether clergy or religious law actually hold governing power.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

autocracy → aristocracy → theonomy

Common pairings

slide into theocracy an Islamic theocracy theocracy 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 “theocracy” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

Critics warned that the new blasphemy laws were a step towards _____.

Etymology

From Greek theos 'god' and -kratia 'rule, power'.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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religious rule hierocracy

Antonyms

secular state secularism

Related words

hierocracy secularism humanism separation of church and state statism

Rhymes for theocracy

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

See all rhymes for theocracy →

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a theocracy and a state with an official religion?

A state religion is a formal endorsement, which can coexist with an entirely secular parliament and courts, as in England or Denmark. A theocracy goes further: religious authorities or religious law actually control legislation, the courts or the head of state.

What is the opposite of a theocracy?

A secular state, in which government and religious institutions are formally separated and laws are made without appeal to religious authority. France's laïcité and the United States' establishment clause are two different models of this.

What is the meaning of theocracy?

"theocracy" (noun) means a system of government in which religious leaders rule in the name of a god, and religious law is the law of the state.

What is another word for theocracy?

Other words for "theocracy" include religious rule, hierocracy.

People also searched

hierocracy secularism humanism separation of church and state statism