Autocrat

Meaning

A ruler who holds absolute power, often used pejoratively for leaders who concentrate authority and bypass institutional checks.

Origin / Etymology

From Greek 'autokrates', 'autos' (self) + 'kratos' (power, rule). Literally 'self-ruler'.

Synonyms

Despot Dictator Tyrant

Antonyms

Democrat Constitutionalist

Example Sentence

"Critics of unilateral US designations of Latin American criminal organisations as FTOs warn that the practice mirrors autocrat playbooks of weaponising security-state language for political ends."

🎯 UPSC Usage

GS2 IR / Polity: Use sparingly and accurately, autocrats vs democratically-elected strongmen, autocratic regression, democratic backsliding. Pair with comparative regime types.

Relevant Subjects