dictatorship

noun

dic·​ta·​tor·​ship dik-ˈtā-tər-ˌship How to pronounce dictatorship (audio)
ˈdik-ˌtā-
1
: the office of dictator
2
: autocratic rule, control, or leadership
people suffering under his dictatorship
3
a
: a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique
Communism and dictatorship
b
: a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated
rising up against a military dictatorship
c
: a despotic state
establishing a dictatorship

Examples of dictatorship in a Sentence

The country suffered for many years under his dictatorship. His enemies accused him of establishing a dictatorship.
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Miami Dade College also owns the Freedom Tower, an iconic building that once welcomed Cubans fleeing the Fidel Castro dictatorship. Douglas Hanks, The Orlando Sentinel, 7 June 2025 The order bars entry for most applicants seeking tourist, student and business visas, further narrowing the few remaining legal pathways for families torn apart by dictatorship, displacement and economic collapse. Verónica Egui Brito, Miami Herald, 5 June 2025 My fear comes from Donald Trump wanting to end our democracy and create a dictatorship. Chicago Tribune, 30 May 2025 That controversy brought back dark memories of military dictatorship, as well as tens of thousands of South Koreans onto the street. Charlie Campbell, Time, 29 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for dictatorship

Word History

Etymology

dictator + -ship, as translation of Latin dictātūra

First Known Use

1542, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of dictatorship was in 1542

Cite this Entry

“Dictatorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictatorship. Accessed 12 Jun. 2025.

Kids Definition

dictatorship

noun
dic·​ta·​tor·​ship dik-ˈtāt-ər-ˌship How to pronounce dictatorship (audio)
ˈdik-ˌtāt-
1
: the office of a dictator
2
: rule, control, or leadership by one person with total power
3
: a government or country in which total power is held by a dictator or a small group

More from Merriam-Webster on dictatorship

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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