autocracy

noun

au·​toc·​ra·​cy ȯ-ˈtä-krə-sē How to pronounce autocracy (audio)
plural autocracies
1
: the authority or rule of an autocrat
2
: government in which one person possesses unlimited power
3
: a community or state governed by autocracy

Examples of autocracy in a Sentence

the Magna Carta is historically important because it signified the British rejection of autocracy and constituted the first formal restraining of the power of the monarch
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
As its divisions with Washington have deepened, Beijing has ramped up efforts to challenge US global leadership and shape an international order into one that favors China and other autocracies. Simone McCarthy, CNN, 24 Oct. 2024 Applebaum argues that Western democracies must reckon with their complicity in the spread of kleptocratic autocracy through offshore banking, money laundering, business deals, and ideological support from right-wing fellow travelers. Foreign Affairs, 22 Oct. 2024 To start a new movement, Tunisia’s civil society and its politicians must rebuild trust with the people and convince them, fundamentally, that democracy is more likely than autocracy to bring about the economic growth and stability the country needs. Sarah E. Yerkes, Foreign Affairs, 4 Nov. 2024 Yet this cooperation masks divisions among the world’s major autocracies. Michael Schuman, The Atlantic, 3 Nov. 2024 See all Example Sentences for autocracy 

Word History

Etymology

earlier, "self-control," borrowed from Greek autokrateîa "self-control, power over oneself," from autokratḗs "ruling by itself (of a mind), with sole authority (for a task)" + -ia -y entry 2 — more at autocrat

Note: The word acquired the present meaning under the influence of Latin autocratōr (from about the fifth century on) and Greek autokrátōr, meaning "with sole authority," and later by association with autocrat. See note at autocrat.

First Known Use

1659, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of autocracy was in 1659

Dictionary Entries Near autocracy

Cite this Entry

“Autocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/autocracy. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

autocracy

noun
au·​toc·​ra·​cy ȯ-ˈtäk-rə-sē How to pronounce autocracy (audio)
plural autocracies
: government in which one person has unlimited power

More from Merriam-Webster on autocracy

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