Word
dictator
Meanings
a ruler who has absolute power and does not allow political freedom or democratic opposition
a person who tries to control others by giving orders and refusing to listen
Definition
A dictator is a ruler who holds absolute power and governs without democratic control.
A dictator is a political leader who has total or near-total authority over a country or group. Dictators often come to power by force or by dismantling democratic institutions. They typically restrict opposition, control the media, and limit civil liberties to maintain power.
Examples
- The documentary explored how the dictator consolidated power by silencing critics and rewriting the constitution.
- I refused to work with him because the dictator in him turned every discussion into a set of commands.
- She studied the dictator’s propaganda tactics to understand how fear can be manufactured and sustained.
- They fled the country after the dictator tightened border controls and arrested prominent dissidents.
Common mistake
Learners sometimes use "dictator" for any strict boss or parent, but it is much stronger and usually refers to political rule or extreme controlling behavior.
More at C1 level
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More nouns
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