|diktə|tōrēəl, -tȯr- adjective
Etymology: Latin dictatori us (from dictatus + -orius -ory) + English -al
1. : befitting or belonging to a dictator
given dictatorial power but using it sparingly
: ruled by a dictator
a dictatorial government
2. : characteristic of an autocratic dictator : oppressive to or contemptuous of others
imperious and dictatorial , he knew how to command but not to obey — V.L.Parrington
began a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war — American Guide Series: Louisiana
• dic·ta·to·ri·al·ly -ēəlē, -li adverb
• dic·ta·to·ri·al·ness noun -es