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dictator

n.
US //ˈdɪkteɪtɝ// UK //dɪktˈeɪtɐ// dic·ta·tor
  1. 1 political ruler (n.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    a ruler who has complete power over a country, usually because they took it by force.

    an autocratic ruler who possesses absolute authority over a state, typically one who has seized power through non-democratic means.

    Example

    The dictator controlled the media and allowed no one to speak against him.

    Example

    The military dictator maintained his grip on power by suppressing political dissent and suspending the national constitution.
  2. 2 controlling person (n.)
    C1 Advanced Informal

    someone who behaves like they have total power over others and tells them exactly what to do.

    a person who behaves in an autocratic or overbearing manner within a specific social or professional hierarchy.

    Example

    Our boss is a bit of a dictator and never listens to our ideas.

    Example

    The head chef was a notorious dictator in the kitchen, demanding absolute perfection and silence from his staff during service.
    • taskmaster
    • autocrat
  3. 3 Ancient Roman office (n.)
    C2 Proficiency Technical Law

    a leader in Ancient Rome who was given total power for a short time during an emergency.

    a magistrate in the Roman Republic granted absolute authority for a fixed term to handle a specific national crisis.

    Example

    In times of war, the Roman Senate would sometimes appoint a dictator to lead the army.

    Example

    Unlike modern tyrants, the early Roman dictator was expected to resign his extraordinary powers as soon as the specific crisis had been resolved.

    Usage

    Usually refers specifically to the constitutional office rather than a modern tyrant.

Origin

From Latin dictātor (“a chief magistrate”), from dictō (“dictate, prescribe”), from dīcō (“say, speak”). By surface analysis, dictate + -or, literally “one who dictates”. Compare Old English tictator (“absolute ruler of the Roman Republic”).

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

Last updated June 20, 2026