Word
theocracy
Phoneticstheoc·ra·cy
US/θiˈɑkɹəsi/
UK/θɪˈɒkɹəsi/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a country or system where religious leaders are in charge and make the laws. The rules of the religion become the rules of the state.
n. a system of government in which political authority derives from divine guidance and is exercised by religious leaders or institutions. Religious doctrine functions as the source of civil law and public policy.
Examples
“In a theocracy, religious leaders make the laws.”
“The country is often described as a theocracy because senior clerics hold final authority over laws and elections.”
“Scholars debate whether the early colony was a true theocracy, since ministers shaped criminal codes yet merchants still influenced trade policy through elected assemblies.”
Examples
simple
“In a theocracy, religious leaders make the laws.”
contextual
“The country is often described as a theocracy because senior clerics hold final authority over laws and elections.”
complex
“Scholars debate whether the early colony was a true theocracy, since ministers shaped criminal codes yet merchants still influenced trade policy through elected assemblies.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “theocracy” in context.
Verb
01. dismantle theocracy
“Reformers hoped to dismantle the theocracy and restore democracy.”
verb + noun
02. establish theocracy
“The revolutionaries sought to establish a theocracy based on religious law.”
verb + noun
03. impose theocracy
“The new regime tried to impose a theocracy on a diverse population.”
verb + noun
04. live under theocracy
“Millions live under a theocracy that restricts women's rights.”
verb + prep + noun
05. maintain theocracy
“The clerics used censorship to maintain their theocracy.”
verb + noun
Adjective
06. authoritarian theocracy
“Critics argue the authoritarian theocracy suppresses dissent and free speech.”
adj + noun
07. islamic theocracy
“Iran is often described as an Islamic theocracy governed by clerics.”
adj + noun
08. modern theocracy
“Few modern theocracies allow full democratic participation in elections.”
adj + noun
Noun
09. fall of theocracy
“The fall of the theocracy led to sweeping constitutional reforms.”
noun + prep + noun
10. form of theocracy
“The state represents an extreme form of theocracy.”
noun + prep + noun
11. establish an islamic theocracy
“After the revolution, leaders moved to establish an Islamic theocracy.”
12. live under a theocracy
“They live under a theocracy where clerics approve all candidates.”
Real-World Examples
“Iran's revolutionary theocracy has never been in greater jeopardy, and with the clerical body tasked with naming a new leader ready for an announcement as soon as Sunday, it is hard to predict what might happen next.” “The protests by Iranians from all walks of life mark one of the boldest challenges to the ruling theocracy since the 1979 Islamic Revolution.” Etymology
From theo- + -cracy, originally from Ancient Greek θεοκρατία (theokratía, “rule of (a) God”), a term coined in the 1st century by Josephus (Against Apion 2.17) in reference to the ancient Israelite polity under the Mosaic covenant. Attested in English from the 1620s, first by John Donne in A Sermon upon the fifth of November 1622. being the Anniversary celebration of our Deliverance from the Powder Treason: "The Jews were onely under a Theocratie, an immediate government of God..."
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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