theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈä-krə-sē 

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

Both men were key to Iran's violent crackdown on protests in January that challenged the theocracy's 47-year rule. —Arkansas Online, 18 Mar. 2026

Killing Soleimani would likely further strain the command and control of the Basij, which would be crucial in putting down any uprising against the theocracy. —Jon Gambrell, Los Angeles Times, 17 Mar. 2026

Both men were key to Iran’s violent crackdown on protests in January that challenged the theocracy’s 47-year rule. —Jon Gambrell, Chicago Tribune, 17 Mar. 2026

How many Americans, military and otherwise, need to be killed by this radical theocracy before this country takes action? —U T Readers, San Diego Union-Tribune, 16 Mar. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Greek theokratia, from the- + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

circa 1631, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for theocracy

• autocracy
• bureaucracy
• democracy
• hypocrisy
• plutocracy
• aristocracy
• meritocracy

Kids Definition

theocracy

noun

the·​oc·​ra·​cy thē-ˈäk-rə-sē 

plural theocracies

1

: government of a country by officials believed to have divine guidance

2

: a country governed by a theocracy