theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē 

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

That may get worse, as the IRGC has taken the leading role in the Shia theocracy. —Ariel Cohen, Forbes.com, 18 June 2026

However, he’s been sidelined for months after Iran’s mass killing of protesters in January and in the war as hard-liners have taken over the levers of the country’s theocracy. —Michelle L. Price, Los Angeles Times, 17 June 2026

The agreement is meant to provide a meaningful truce in a monthslong war that has killed thousands across the Middle East, including the top leaders of Iran’s theocracy, and raised the prices of fuel, food and other basic goods far beyond the region. —ABC News, 16 June 2026

Far too pure for the sinners who run this godless theocracy. —Amanda Whiting, Vulture, 29 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for theocracy

• aristocracy
• meritocracy
• autocracy
• bureaucracy
• democracy
• hypocrisy
• plutocracy

Kids Definition

theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē 

plural theocracies

1

: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance

2

: a country governed by a theocracy