Theocrat
/ˈθiːə.kræt/noun
A person who rules by or strongly supports rule by religious authority.
Did you know?The word is built from Greek roots meaning “god” + “power/rule,” so its core idea is literally rule backed by divine authority.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
theos
“god”
Ancient Greek
Greek
kratos
“power, rule, might”
19th Century
English
theocrat
“a ruler or supporter of rule by religious authority”
Modern English
English
theocrat
“a person who governs, or advocates governing, under religious authority”