Dictatorship Meaning and Definition
Dictatorship
Pronunciation
/ˌdɪktəˈtɔːrʃɪp/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A system of government in which one person or a small group holds complete power, often suppressing the rights of citizens and opposition parties.
Etymology
The word “dictatorship” originates from the Latin “dictator,” meaning “actor or director,” and “-ship,” a suffix indicating a position or office.
Usage Notes
When discussing politics, it’s essential to use the word accurately. Note that a dictatorship can take many forms and may not always be easily recognizable as such.
Cultural References
The concept of dictatorship has been explored in various works of literature, such as George Orwell’s “Animal Farm” and Kurt Vonnegut’s “Cat’s Cradle.”
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “In a dictatorship, all the power is held by a single person or group, usually through coercion and manipulation.”
- “Dictatorship is often characterized by the suppression of basic human rights and the freedom of speech.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Autoritarianism
- Tyranny
- Totalitarianism
Collocations
A dictatorship is often collocated with words such as “absolute,” “authoritarian,” “repressive,” and “oppressive.”
Frequency of Use
The term “dictatorship” is widely used in modern language, particularly in discussions of politics, history, and international relations.
Common Misspellings
- Dictatorsip
- Dik-ta-tors-hip