dictatorship

/dik'teitəʃip/

Thân thiện

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A system of government where one person or a small group possesses absolute power: A dictatorship is a form of government characterized by the absolute, unrestricted rule of a single leader or a small clique, not bound by a constitution, laws, or meaningful political opposition.
   • The office, period of rule, or domain controlled by a dictator: The term can also refer to the tenure of a specific dictator or the country governed under such a system.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • The country suffered under a brutal dictatorship for over three decades.
  • Historians study the mechanisms that allow a dictatorship to seize and maintain control.
  • The fall of the dictatorship led to a difficult transition to democracy.

Advanced Usage and Nuances

• "The dictatorship of the proletariat": A specific Marxist-Leninist concept referring to a theoretical transitional state in which the working class holds political power, ostensibly to suppress the former ruling class and pave the way for a classless society. (Note: This is a specialized compound term using "dictatorship" in a specific ideological context).
• "Benevolent dictatorship": A theoretical or rhetorical concept describing a dictatorship where the ruler uses absolute power for the perceived benefit of the people, though it remains an authoritarian system.

Variants and Related Words

• Dictator (n): The absolute ruler in a dictatorship.
  • The dictator was known for his ruthless policies.
• Dictatorial (adj): Having the characteristics of a dictator or dictatorship; autocratic, tyrannical.
  • His management style was increasingly dictatorial.
• Dictate (v): To lay down authoritatively; prescribe. While related, this verb focuses on the act of issuing commands.
  • The victors will dictate the terms of the peace treaty.

Synonyms

• Autocracy: A system of government by one person with absolute power.
• Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule.
• Authoritarianism: The enforcement of strict obedience to authority at the expense of personal freedom.
• Despotism: The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
• Totalitarianism: A system where the state holds total authority over society and seeks to control all aspects of public and private life.

Antonyms

• Democracy: A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
• Republic: A state in which supreme power is held by the people and their elected representatives.
• Pluralism: A condition or system in which multiple groups, principles, or sources of power coexist.

Related Phrases and Concepts

• Cult of personality: A situation where a dictator uses mass media to create an idealized, heroic public image.
• One-party state: A state where only one political party has the right to form the government, often a feature of dictatorships.
• Police state: A state where the government exercises rigid and repressive control over social, economic, and political life, typically maintained via a secret police force.

Học thuật

Noun

1. a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)