What does autocrat mean?
An autocrat is a ruler who wields absolute power, constrained neither by law nor by the consent of the governed. The word derives from the Greek autokratēs, meaning 'self-ruling', combining autos ('self') with kratos ('power'), and entered English in the early seventeenth century. It was famously applied to the Russian tsars, who styled themselves 'Emperor and Autocrat of All the Russias'. In everyday speech, the term extends beyond politics: a demanding editor, a micromanaging chief executive, or a headstrong parent may all be described as autocrats, usually with disapproval. The adjective 'autocratic' and the noun 'autocracy' belong to the same family, and the related term 'authoritarian' overlaps in meaning though it carries a slightly more technical, political-science flavor. Understanding 'autocrat' helps readers grasp debates about concentrated power, from historical empires to modern workplaces.
A ruler with absolute power who is unrestrained by laws, constitutions, or other governing bodies.
"History's great autocrats rarely surrendered their thrones willingly."
Originally applied chiefly to sovereigns such as tsars; now common in figurative use.
Any person exercising domineering, unchecked authority over a group, institution, or household.
"As artistic director she was an autocrat, tolerating no second opinions."
Standard pluralization; countable noun.
"The empire produced a succession of ruthless autocrats."
An 'autocrat' literally means someone who rules 'by themselves' — in ancient Greek, autos (self) plus kratos (power) — so every autocrat is, by definition, a one-person government.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of autocrat
Autocrat comes from Greek autokratēs, formed from autos ('self') and kratos ('power' or 'rule'). The term passed into Latin and thence into French before entering English in the early seventeenth century. It shares its roots with words like autonomy and automatic, all built on the Greek prefix auto-. Its cognate autokrator was used for Byzantine emperors and later underpinned the title borne by Russian tsars.
Related word forms
How autocrat is actually used
In modern usage, 'autocrat' frequently appears in figurative and often mildly critical contexts describing bosses, editors, or parents who brook no opposition — not only in reference to heads of state. The phrase 'benevolent autocrat' acknowledges a leader who rules absolutely but with good intent.
Easily confused with autocrat
An aristocrat is a member of a privileged noble class, whereas an autocrat is a single ruler with absolute power.