autocrat
UK[ˈɔːtəkræt]US[ˈɔːtəkræt]
n
A ruler who has absolute power and uses it in a cruel or oppressive way.
n
A person who demands that other people completely obey them.
Morpheme Breakdown
auto
crat
auto
self
crat
ruler
Etymology
The word 'autocrat' is a direct borrowing from the French autocrate, which itself was derived from the Greek autokratēs. This Greek compound is a transparent combination of autos ("self") and kratos ("power, strength, rule"). The literal meaning, "one who rules by oneself," perfectly captures the essence of absolute, singular power. This concept evolved from the ancient Greek political context into a modern term for any ruler who holds unchecked authority, often with a strong connotation of tyranny and oppression, reflecting the historical dangers of concentrated, self-derived power.
Analysis
Structure: auto (self) + crat (ruler)
- auto: From Greek autos, meaning "self". In this word, it functions as a combining form meaning "by oneself" or "independent".
- crat: From Greek -kratēs, from kratos meaning "strength, power, rule". It functions as a combining form meaning "a person who rules by" a specified power.
Examples
The country was ruled by a ruthless autocrat for decades.
In the office, he behaved like an autocrat, dismissing any opinion that contradicted his own.
History is filled with examples of autocrats who were eventually overthrown by their people.