Dictatorial

Dictatorial is an adjective describing characteristics associated with a dictator or dictatorship, or with a leadership or governance style that concentrates power and limits political pluralism. It can refer to regimes, institutions, or individual behavior that seeks to command obedience without broad consultation.

In political contexts, dictatorial rule typically centers authority in a single leader or a narrow inner circle, restricts opposition, and relies on decree or coercive pressure rather than checks and balances. Independent media and civil society may be suppressed or controlled, and formal institutions such as legislatures or courts may operate under limited independence. The term also applies to nonpolitical settings, describing a management or organizational style that demands unquestioned obedience, makes decisions unilaterally, and excludes consultation or consent.

Etymology: from Latin dictator, "one who dictates" or "to say aloud," via English in the sense of ruling by fiat; in contemporary usage dictatorial carries a pejorative implication and is frequently used descriptively to criticize power that is perceived as autocratic or repressive. It is distinct from but related to terms such as autocratic, authoritarian, and tyrannical, which emphasize different aspects of power and its exercise.