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

Activists abroad have expressed concern about deportees returning to Iran, whose theocracy has been cracking down on intellectuals and where the government vociferously cracks down on any dissent. — Michael Kunzelman, Los Angeles Times, 5 Nov. 2026

Our deist, atheist and moderate Christian founders rightly forbade theocracy with the First Amendment’s establishment clause, as incompatible with democracy. — Letters To The Editor, The Orlando Sentinel, 14 Oct. 2026

The country's ruling theocracy requires women to wear scarves that cover their hair and loose-fitting clothes that hide their bodies. — ABC News, 19 Sep. 2026

In May, government officials said more than 30 million people in Iran — home to a population of some 90 million — had volunteered via an online form or at public gatherings to lay down their lives for the theocracy. — Nasser Karimi, Chicago Tribune, 18 Sep. 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

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

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