Word

theocracy

noun C1

/θiːˈɒkɹəsi/

Meanings

noun

A government in which religious leaders or religious law control the state.

Definition

A theocracy is a system of government in which religious leaders or religious law hold political power.

A theocracy is a form of government where religious authority is closely tied to state authority. Laws and policies are often based on religious rules or interpretations. In a theocracy, senior religious figures may directly govern or strongly influence political decisions.

Examples

The historian argued that theocracy blurs the boundary between spiritual authority and political accountability.
I find it difficult to imagine how theocracy can protect dissenting beliefs without suppressing them.
She explained that theocracy often frames legislation as a matter of doctrine rather than public debate.
They debated whether a theocracy can sustain equal citizenship when religious identity becomes a legal category.

Common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse theocracy with theism, but theocracy refers to a political system, not simply belief in a god.