Dictionary

dictatorial

adjective dic·ta·to·ri·al \ˌdik-tə-ˈtr-ē-əl\

: of, relating to, or ruled by a dictator

—used to describe a person who tries to control other people in a forceful and unfair way

Full Definition of DICTATORIAL

1
a :  of, relating to, or befitting a dictator <dictatorial power>
b :  ruled by a dictator
2
:  oppressive to or arrogantly overbearing toward others
dic·ta·to·ri·al·ly \-ē-ə-lē\ adverb
dic·ta·to·ri·al·ness noun
ADVERTISEMENT

First Known Use of DICTATORIAL

1701

Synonym Discussion of DICTATORIAL

dictatorial, magisterial, dogmatic, doctrinaire, oracular mean imposing one's will or opinions on others. dictatorial stresses autocratic, high-handed methods and a domineering manner <exercised dictatorial control over the office>. magisterial stresses assumption or use of prerogatives appropriate to a magistrate or schoolmaster in forcing acceptance of one's opinions <the magisterial tone of his pronouncements>. dogmatic implies being unduly and offensively positive in laying down principles and expressing opinions <dogmatic about what is art and what is not>. doctrinaire implies a disposition to follow abstract theories in framing laws or policies affecting people <a doctrinaire approach to improving the economy>. oracular implies the manner of one who delivers opinions in cryptic phrases or with pompous dogmatism <a designer who is the oracular voice of fashion>.

Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

Browse

Next Word in the Dictionary: dictatorianPrevious Word in the Dictionary: dictatorAll Words Near: dictatorial
ADVERTISEMENT
How to use a word that (literally) drives some people nuts.
Test your vocab with our fun, fast game
Ailurophobia, and 9 other unusual fears