dictator

/dɪkˈteɪtə(r)/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈdɪkteɪtər/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈdik-ˌtā-tər dik-ˈtā-/ (ame, mw)

dictator — noun

  • dictatorsingular
  • dictatorsplural

1. a person who rules a country with total power, often using force or threats, and

1.名詞B2
釋義

a person who rules a country with total power, often using force or threats, and without the consent of the people

例句

Hassan's family fled the country when the dictator ordered the arrest of all journalists.

collocation: ordered the arrest of [group]

After the old dictator died, the people celebrated in the streets and demanded free elections.

同義詞
  • tyrant

    Focuses more on cruelty and oppression than on the method of taking power

  • autocrat

    Broader term; can describe anyone who rules alone, not necessarily through violence

  • strongman

    Informal modern label for a ruler who relies on military force and personal charisma

  • despot

    Similar to tyrant but has a historical flavour, often used for pre-modern rulers

反義詞
  • democrat

    A leader who believes in government by the people, usually through elections

用法筆記

Carries a strongly negative meaning — describes a ruler who oppresses people and ignores the law. Do not use for elected leaders even if you strongly disagree with their decisions.

常見錯誤

❌The dictator was elected by a majority of voters.
✅The dictator seized power through a military coup.
💡A dictator, by definition, is not elected. Using 'elected' and 'dictator' together creates a contradiction.

2. a person who keeps telling others what they must do and expects everyone to obey

2.名詞B2
釋義

a person who keeps telling others what they must do and expects everyone to obey without arguing

例句

Our team leader acts like a dictator, changing plans without telling anyone until the last minute.

acts like a dictator: simile for bossy behaviour

Ava told her brother to stop being a dictator and let her choose the movie.

同義詞
  • tyrant

    Also used informally for a bossy person, but even more negative and dramatic

  • control freak

    Informal; focuses on the need to control every detail rather than on giving orders

用法筆記

Used to criticise someone's bossy, controlling behaviour in everyday situations. Stronger and more negative than 'bossy' — reserve for people who refuse to listen to anyone else.

常見錯誤

❌My dad is a dictator about cleaning my room.
✅My dad is very strict about keeping my room clean.
💡'dictator' is too harsh and serious for normal parental rules; use 'strict' for everyday situations.