autocrat

/ˌɔdəˈkræt/

Other forms: autocrats

An autocrat is another name for a dictator, someone who wields absolute power and uses it in a cruel and despotic manner.

This is a word for cruel, oppressive dictators. Hitler and Stalin were historic autocrats. In more recent times, dictators such as Saddam Hussein and Qaddafi were autocrats. From autocrat, we get the word autocratic, for anyone behaving like a dictator. Unfortunately, through history, there have been many autocrats: leaders who didn't give their people a say in their regime and killed their enemies. You might call your boss, parent, or teacher an autocrat, but that's probably an exaggeration.

Definitions of autocrat

1. noun

   a cruel and oppressive dictator
   synonyms: despot, tyrant

   types:

   czar

   a person having great power

   type of:

   dictator, potentate

   a ruler who is unconstrained by law