theocracy
the·oc·ra·cy
noun \thē-ˈä-krə-sē\ plural the·oc·ra·cies
Definition of THEOCRACY
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
Origin of THEOCRACY
Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy
First Known Use: 1622
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with THEOCRACY
theocracy
noun (Concise Encyclopedia)Government by divine guidance or by officials who are regarded as divinely guided. In many theocracies, government leaders are members of the clergy, and the state's legal system is based on religious law. Theocratic rule was typical of early civilizations. The Enlightenment marked the end of theocracy in most Western countries. Contemporary examples of theocracies include Saudi Arabia, Iran, and the Vatican. See also church and state; divine kingship.
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