autocratical
|au-to-crat-i-cal|
/ˌɔːtəˈkrætɪkəl/
rule by one; absolute power
Etymology
'autocratical' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autokrátēs' (Greek: ), where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'krátēs' meant 'ruler' or 'power'.
'autokrátēs' passed into Late Latin and Medieval/Modern Latin as 'autocrates' or 'autocrata', then into French as 'autocrate', and eventually into English as 'autocrat' and the adjective form 'autocratical'.
Initially, it meant 'ruling by oneself' (one-person rule); over time it evolved to mean 'exercising absolute or arbitrary power' and came to be used adjectivally as 'autocratical'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
of or relating to an autocrat or autocracy; having or exercising absolute, centralized authority.
The council criticized the mayor's autocratical control over municipal appointments.
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Adjective 2
characterized by arbitrary or domineering exercise of authority; harshly bossy or overbearing in manner.
Her autocratical style alienated many members of the team.
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Last updated: 2025/11/24 19:38