dictator

Everyday

1. A ruler who has complete power over a country, was usually not fairly elected, and does not allow people to disagree. tree →
2. (informal) Someone who tells others what to do and won't listen. tree →

In the lessons

In history and civics: dictators versus democracy; dictatorships take away freedoms. In everyday talk: «Don't be such a dictator!» Phrases: military dictator, benevolent dictator.

Examples

• The dictator banned all newspapers that criticised him. tree →
• In a democracy, people choose their leaders; a dictator does not let them. tree →
• The people finally overthrew the dictator. tree →
• My brother acts like a dictator when he holds the TV remote. tree →
• History has many cruel dictators. tree →
• A dictator often controls the army and the police. tree →

Note

Noun: dictatorship (the system). Adjective: dictatorial (bossy). From «dictate» (to give orders, or to say words for someone to write down).