Dictator

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /dɪkˈteɪtÉ™(ɹ)/
• US IPA: /ˈdɪkteɪtəɹ/

Alternative forms

• dictatour obsolete

Origin

From Latin dictātor ("a chief magistrate"), from dictō ("dictate, prescribe"), from dīcō ("say, speak").

Surface analysis is dictate + -or("(agent)") “one who dictates”.

Full definition of dictator

Noun

1. Originally, a magistrate without colleague in republican ancient Rome, who held full executive authority for a term granted by the senate (legislature), typically to conduct a war
2. A totalitarian leader of a country, nation, or government
3. A tyrannical boss, or authority figure
4. A person who dictates text (e.g. letters to a clerk)
5. A ruler or Führer, the highest level of authority.

Related terms

• dictate
• dictatorial
• dictatorship