dictatorship

[dik-tey-ter-ship, dik-tey-] /dɪkˈteɪ tərˌʃɪp, ˈdɪk teɪ-/
noun
1.
a country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator.
2.
absolute, imperious, or overbearing power or control.
3.
the office or position held by a dictator.
Origin
1580-90; dictator + -ship
Examples from the web for dictatorships
  • This sometimes made him oblivious to the dangers of dictatorships.
British Dictionary definitions for dictatorships

dictatorship

/dɪkˈteɪtəˌʃɪp/
noun
1.
the rank, office, or period of rule of a dictator
2.
government by a dictator or dictators
3.
a country ruled by a dictator or dictators
4.
absolute or supreme power or authority
Word Origin and History for dictatorships

dictatorship

n.

1580s, from dictator + -ship.

dictatorships in Culture

dictatorship definition


Government by a single person or by a junta or other group that is not responsible to the people or their elected representatives.

Note: Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin were dictators.