dictatorship

[ dik-tey-ter-ship, dik-tey- ]
/ dɪkˈteɪ tərˌʃɪp, ˈdɪk teɪ- /

noun

a country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator.
absolute, imperious, or overbearing power or control.
the office or position held by a dictator.

Origin of dictatorship

First recorded in 1580–90; dictator + -ship

Example sentences from the Web for dictatorship

British Dictionary definitions for dictatorship

dictatorship
/ (dɪkˈteɪtəˌʃɪp) /

noun

the rank, office, or period of rule of a dictator
government by a dictator or dictators
a country ruled by a dictator or dictators
absolute or supreme power or authority

Cultural definitions for dictatorship

dictatorship

Government by a single person or by a junta or other group that is not responsible to the people or their elected representatives.

notes for dictatorship

Adolf Hitler and Joseph Stalin were dictators.