# dictator

/ˈdɪkteɪtɝ/ (US) · /dɪktˈeɪtɐ/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dictator
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. political ruler

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- The dictator controlled the media and allowed no one to speak against him.
- The military dictator maintained his grip on power by suppressing political dissent and suspending the national constitution.

### 2. controlling person

noun · CEFR C1 · Informal

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

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

- Our boss is a bit of a dictator and never listens to our ideas.
- The head chef was a notorious dictator in the kitchen, demanding absolute perfection and silence from his staff during service.

### 3. Ancient Roman office

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical

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

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

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

## Examples

- The dictator controlled every aspect of the citizens' lives.
- After the military coup, the new dictator suspended the constitution and banned all opposition parties.
- Historians often debate the specific social conditions that allow a populist leader to transition into a dictator, centralizing authority until the legislative branch becomes entirely symbolic.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.