dictatorship

UK: /dɪkˈteɪtə^rʃɪp/

US: /dɪkˈteɪtɚʃɪp/

US: (dik tā′tər ship′, dik′tā-)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

dic•ta•tor•ship /dɪkˈteɪtɚʃɪp/   n. 

1. government by a dictator:
   [uncountable] rule by dictatorship.
   [countable] Would we see a dictatorship?
2. a country ruled by a dictator or in a dictatorial manner:
   [countable] Should the nation be doing business with dictatorships?
See -dict-.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dic•ta•tor•ship  (dik tā′tər ship′, dik′tā-), n. 

1. Government a country, government, or the form of government in which absolute power is exercised by a dictator.
2. absolute, imperious, or overbearing power or control.
3. Government the office or position held by a dictator.

• dictator + -ship 1580–90

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

dictatorship / dɪkˈteɪtəˌʃɪp/ noun

1. the rank, office, or period of rule of a dictator
2. government by a dictator or dictators
3. a country ruled by a dictator or dictators
4. absolute or supreme power or authority