Autocracy

//ɔːˈtɒkɹəsi// noun

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    A form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual. uncountable

    "I want to be clear: This shift toward democracy and away from autocracy is no reason to break out the “mission accomplished” banner."

  2. 2
    a political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual wordnet
  3. 3
    An instance of this government. countable

    "The will of the people of Ukraine to defend their democracy is a reminder that autocracies cannot ultimately overcome free people willing to defend their liberty."

  4. 4
    a political system governed by a single individual wordnet

Etymology

From auto- + -cracy, from Ancient Greek αὐτοκρατία (autokratía, “A system of government by one person with absolute power.”), from αὐτός (autós, “single, self, same, alone”) + κράτος (krátos, “power”) + -ία (-ía, “feminine abstract nouns suffix”); see also Ancient Greek αὐτοκρατής (autokratḗs, “one who governs alone”).

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