dictatorial Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective of or characteristic of a dictator
    • dictatorial powers
  2. adjective satellite expecting unquestioning obedience
    overbearing; authoritarian.
    • the timid child of authoritarian parents
    • insufferably overbearing behavior toward the waiter
  3. adjective satellite characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
    authoritarian; despotic; tyrannic; autocratic; tyrannical.
    • an authoritarian regime
    • autocratic government
    • despotic rulers
    • a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war
    • a tyrannical government

WordNet

Dic`ta*to"ri*al adjective
Etymology
Cf. F. dictatorial.
Definitions
  1. Pertaining or suited to a dictator; absolute.
    Military powers quite dictatorial. W. Irving.
  2. Characteristic of a dictator; imperious; dogmatical; overbearing; as, a dictatorial tone or manner. -- Dic`ta*to"ri*al*ly, adv. -- Dic`ta*to"ri*al*ness, n.

Webster 1913