theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a state by immediate divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided
2
: a state governed by a theocracy

Examples of theocracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web This rhetoric now holds fresh appeal for regional audiences who were otherwise unsympathetic toward a Shiite theocracy and gives Iran a convenient opportunity to shame its Sunni Arab rivals. Suzanne Maloney, Foreign Affairs, 8 Apr. 2024 When the revolution toppled the monarchy in 1979, the new clerical rulers declared an Islamic theocracy and for years discouraged and even cracked down on Persian celebrations that predated Islam, including Chaharshanbeh Suri. Farnaz Fassihi, New York Times, 13 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for theocracy 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'theocracy.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

1622, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of theocracy was in 1622

Dictionary Entries Near theocracy

Cite this Entry

“Theocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/theocracy. Accessed 31 May. 2024.

Kids Definition

theocracy

noun
the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē How to pronounce theocracy (audio)
plural theocracies
1
: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance
2
: a country governed by a theocracy

More from Merriam-Webster on theocracy

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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