1. of or characteristic of a dictator - dictatorial powers • Pertains to noun: dictator • Derivationally related forms: dictator 2. characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty - an authoritarian regime - autocratic government - despotic rulers - a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war - a tyrannical government • Syn: authoritarian, autocratic, despotic, tyrannic, tyrannical • Similar to: undemocratic • Derivationally related forms: tyranny (for: tyrannical), tyranny (for: tyrannic), despot (for: despotic), dictator, autocrat (for: autocratic) 3. expecting unquestioning obedience - the timid child of authoritarian parents - insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter • Syn: authoritarian, overbearing • Similar to: domineering • Derivationally related forms: overbearingness (for: overbearing)
