dictatorship
noun
dic·ta·tor·ship
dik-ˈtā-tər-ˌship 
ˈdik-ˌtā-
1
: the office of dictator
2
: autocratic rule, control, or leadership
people suffering under his dictatorship
3
a
: a form of government in which absolute power is concentrated in a dictator or a small clique
Communism and dictatorship
b
: a government organization or group in which absolute power is so concentrated
rising up against a military dictatorship
c
: a despotic state
establishing a dictatorship
Examples of dictatorship in a Sentence
The country suffered for many years under his dictatorship.
His enemies accused him of establishing a dictatorship.
Recent Examples on the Web
Oesterheld was kidnapped during the Argentine military dictatorship in 1977 and presumed dead, which turned the graphic novel into a symbol of resistance.
—
Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025
This agreement created the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, giving full governing autonomy to Hungary, which Franz Joseph had placed under a military dictatorship following Hungarian nationals’ failed bid for independence in 1848.
—Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Pope Francis accepted some compromises with China, but the Vatican wants autonomy in spiritual matters, which may require a miracle to accomplish under China’s one-party dictatorship.
—Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Francis, then just Bishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, gave approval for the re-burial of Duquet, who died in the mid-1970s during the country’s dictatorship, the news agency reported.
—Maria Pasquini, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictatorship
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Isadora Wandermurem, Time, 1 May 2025
This agreement created the dual monarchy of Austria-Hungary, giving full governing autonomy to Hungary, which Franz Joseph had placed under a military dictatorship following Hungarian nationals’ failed bid for independence in 1848.
—Elizabeth Djinis, Smithsonian Magazine, 28 Apr. 2025
Pope Francis accepted some compromises with China, but the Vatican wants autonomy in spiritual matters, which may require a miracle to accomplish under China’s one-party dictatorship.
—Eryk Michael Smith, FOXNews.com, 27 Apr. 2025
Francis, then just Bishop Jorge Mario Bergoglio of Buenos Aires, gave approval for the re-burial of Duquet, who died in the mid-1970s during the country’s dictatorship, the news agency reported.
—Maria Pasquini, People.com, 26 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for dictatorship
Cite this Entry
“Dictatorship.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dictatorship. Accessed 8 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
dictatorship
noun
dic·ta·tor·ship
dik-ˈtāt-ər-ˌship
ˈdik-ˌtāt-
1
: the office of a dictator
2
: rule, control, or leadership by one person with total power
3
: a government or country in which total power is held by a dictator or a small group
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