ˈdikˌtād.ə(r), -ātə- also ̷ ̷ˈ ̷ ̷ ̷ ̷ noun
( -s )
Etymology: Latin, from dictatus + -or
1.
a. : a chief magistrate appointed in emergencies and given absolute authority by the senate of ancient Rome
b. : a person granted absolute emergency power in a later republic
making the general dictator of the state during the invasion
when dictators resist the temptation to become despots — F.L.Schuman
c. : one enjoying complete autocratic control or leadership
the secretary was actually the dictator of the party
making him dictator
often : a supreme sometimes autocratic arbiter
a dictator in the world of British art — DeLancey Ferguson
d. : one ruling absolutely, typically with brutality, oppression, and ruthless suppression of opposition
political dictators who attempt to accomplish by calculated brutality and aggression what they lack the intelligence and magnanimity to consummate — Lewis Mumford
2. : one that dictates (as to a secretary or recording machine)