- a person exercising absolute power, especially a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession.
- (in ancient Rome) a person invested with supreme authority during a crisis, the regular magistracy being subordinated to him until the crisis was met.
- a person who authoritatively prescribes conduct, usage, etc.: a dictator of fashion.
- a person who dictates, as to a secretary.
- a ruler who is not effectively restricted by a constitution, laws, recognized opposition, etc
- an absolute, esp tyrannical, ruler
- (in ancient Rome) a person appointed during a crisis to exercise supreme authority
- a person who makes pronouncements, as on conduct, fashion, etc, which are regarded as authoritative
- a person who behaves in an authoritarian or tyrannical manner
