Definition of autocracy Autocracy

/ɔtɑˈkɹʌsi/ - [otakrusee] - au•toc•ra•cy

We found 11 definitions of autocracy from 6 different sources.

What does autocracy mean?

Noun Plural: autocracies
autocracy - a political system governed by a single individual
		autarchy
		form of government, political system the members of a social organization who are in power
		monarchy an autocracy governed by a monarch who usually inherits the authority
autocracy - a political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual
		political orientation, political theory, ideology an orientation that characterizes the thinking of a group or nation

= synonym
= antonym
= related word

autocracy (Noun)
A form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual.

autocracy (n.)
Independent or self-derived power; absolute or controlling authority; supremacy.
autocracy (n.)
Supreme, uncontrolled, unlimited authority, or right of governing in a single person, as of an autocrat.
autocracy (n.)
Political independence or absolute sovereignty (of a state); autonomy.
autocracy (n.)
The action of the vital principle, or of the instinctive powers, toward the preservation of the individual; also, the vital principle.

Autocracy is a form of government. In an autocracy, a single person has all legal and political power, and makes all decisions by himself or herself. The person who holds the power is called an autocrat.

When there is a monarch ruling a country as an absolute monarchy, this is also called an autocracy. Having an autocratic government does not mean the country is governed well or governed poorly. It is just a description on how it is set up.

In modern times, most autocrats gain power as part of a larger nationalist, communist, or fascist movement. Once in power, they eliminate all other kinds of authority in the country, such as judges, the legislature, and political parties.