autocrat

Definitions

auto- (self) + crat (ruler) = "a self-ruler" — one whose power comes from and answers to himself alone. The auto- is the same "self" as in automatic and autonomy: the autocrat is the sole source of his own authority.

Why It Means This

The force of autocrat lies in that auto-. Most -crat words say who shares the ruler's power: a demo-crat trusts the people, a techno-crat leans on experts. The auto-crat trusts no one but himself. There is no body above him and no check beside him — he both makes the rules and stands outside them. The word can also drop down to everyday life, describing a boss or parent who runs everything single-handedly.

Common Collocations

• 1.absolute autocrat绝对的独裁者
• 2.behave like an autocrat表现得像个独裁者
• 3.ruthless autocrat冷酷的独裁者

Example Sentences

• 1.

  The general ruled as an autocrat for nearly thirty years.

• 2.

  Critics warned that the president was behaving like an autocrat.

• 3.

  Her father was an autocrat who decided everything for the family.