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

In Utah Territory the US government cracked down on the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and its impressive theocracy, seeking to quell religious dissent. —Literary Hub, 4 Mar. 2026

After Iran’s 1979 Islamic Revolution, the new theocracy also battled Kurdish insurgents. —ABC News, 4 Mar. 2026

With Khamenei’s death, Trump urges Iranians to overthrow the country’s theocracy, according to the Associated Press. —Maya Wilkins, Chicago Tribune, 4 Mar. 2026

Iran’s theocracy has struggled with growing dissent following nationwide protests over the economy that morphed into anti-government ones. —Brian Melley, Austin American Statesman, 1 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