theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided
2
: a state governed by a theocracy

Examples of theocracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
After the Islamic revolution ended the Shah’s reign and ushered in the theocracy of Ayatollah Khomeini, Roya’s Baba was in and out of Evin Prison, the infamous jail where political prisoners were incarcerated, tortured, killed. Lisa Kennedy, The Denver Post, 24 Oct. 2024 After the 1979 Revolution, the young theocracy banned neckties as a symbol of Western, notably U.S., influence. Robin Wright, The New Yorker, 25 Sep. 2024 The theocracy has been the Palestinian terror group’s biggest backer for decades, funneling money, military material and know-how. Nic Robertson, CNN, 7 Oct. 2024 The incendiary rapper spoke out fearlessly against Iran’s dictatorial theocracy through his music. Lily Moayeri, SPIN, 15 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theocracy 

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theocracy was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near theocracy

Cite this Entry

“Theocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theocracy. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

theocracy

noun
the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance
2
: a country governed by a theocracy

More from Merriam-Webster on theocracy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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