Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or characteristic of a dictator: Having the absolute power and authority of a single ruler who is not restricted by laws, a constitution, or opposition.
   • Tending to impose one's will on others in an arrogant, overbearing, and domineering way: Expecting or demanding complete obedience without question.

Usage

• The primary use of "dictatorial" is to describe systems of government, rulers, or their methods that are autocratic and oppressive.
• It is also used to describe a person's manner or behavior that is unpleasantly commanding and allows no freedom for others.

Examples

• Describing a government or rule:
  • The country suffered for decades under a dictatorial regime.
  • He seized dictatorial powers after the coup.
• Describing a person's manner:
  • Her management style was harsh and dictatorial, leaving no room for discussion.
  • The coach's dictatorial attitude demoralized the team.

Advanced Usage

• "dictatorial powers": Extraordinary and absolute authority granted to or assumed by a leader, often in a time of crisis.
  • The senate granted the president dictatorial powers to handle the emergency.
• "dictatorial regime": A government system controlled by a single absolute ruler or a small group.
  • The revolution aimed to overthrow the dictatorial regime.

Variants and Related Words

• Dictator (n): A ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.
• Dictatorship (n): A form of government or state ruled by a dictator.
• Dictate (v): To lay down authoritatively; prescribe.

Synonyms

• Autocratic: Relating to a ruler who has absolute power.
• Authoritarian: Favoring or enforcing strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
• Tyrannical: Exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way.
• Despotic: Of or typical of a despot; tyrannical.
• Overbearing: Unpleasantly or arrogantly domineering.

Antonyms

• Democratic: Relating to or supporting democracy or its principles.
• Egalitarian: Believing in or based on the principle that all people are equal and deserve equal rights and opportunities.
• Collaborative: Produced or conducted by two or more parties working together.

Related Phrases and Idioms

• To rule with a dictatorial hand: To govern in a very strict, authoritarian manner.
  • The CEO ran the company with a dictatorial hand, making every decision himself.

Adjective

1. characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
   • an authoritarian regime
   • autocratic government
   • despotic rulers
   • a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war
   • a tyrannical government
2. expecting unquestioning obedience
   • the timid child of authoritarian parents
   • insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter
3. of or characteristic of a dictator
   • dictatorial powers