Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Autocratic; despotic; tyrannical: Describes a system, ruler, or government that holds and exercises absolute power, often without regard for laws, opposition, or the will of the people. It implies centralized, unchecked authority.
   • Absolute: In a political context, referring to a form of rule where power is concentrated without constitutional limits.

2. Noun:

   • Autocracy; despotism: The system or practice of ruling in an autocratic manner. It refers to the state or condition of having absolute power.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • Chế độ quân chủ chuyên chế đã bị lật đổ. (The absolute monarchy was overthrown.)
  • Ông ấy là một vị lãnh đạo chuyên chế. (He is an autocratic leader.)

• Noun:

  • Sự chuyên chế của nhà vua khiến người dân bất mãn. (The king's autocracy caused public discontent.)
  • Chuyên chế là đối lập của dân chủ. (Autocracy is the opposite of democracy.)

Advanced Usage

• The term is primarily used in political and historical contexts to describe systems of governance, such as absolute monarchy () or authoritarian regimes ().
• It can be applied metaphorically to describe any figure (e.g., a manager, parent) who exercises power in an arbitrary, domineering manner.

Variants and Related Words

• Chuyên chính (adj/n): Dictatorial; dictatorship. Often used in political theory (e.g., - dictatorship of the proletariat). While related, can imply a specific class-based rule, whereas emphasizes absolute personal or centralized power.
• Độc tài (adj/n): Dictatorial; dictatorship. A close synonym, but can sometimes have a broader, more modern application.

Synonyms

• Autocratic: Relating to a ruler who has absolute power.
• Despotic: Exercising power in a cruel or oppressive way.
• Tyrannical: Unjustly cruel, harsh, or severe; characteristic of a tyrant.
• Absolute: Not limited by restrictions or checks (e.g., absolute power).

Related Idioms and Phrases

• Chế độ chuyên chế: Autocratic regime; system of autocracy.
  • Chế độ chuyên chế thường hạn chế các quyền tự do cơ bản. (Autocratic regimes often restrict basic freedoms.)
• Quyền lực chuyên chế: Autocratic power; despotic authority.
  • Hắn ta nắm giữ quyền lực chuyên chế trong công ty. (He holds autocratic power within the company.)

verb

1. To hold absolute authority, to rule as an autocrat
   • chế độ quân chủ chuyên chế
     absolute monarchy
   • sự chuyên chế của vua chúa
     the autocracy of kings