dictator

 
Pronunciation: /dɪkˈteɪtə/

noun

  • a ruler with total power over a country, typically one who has obtained control by force.
  • a person who behaves in an autocratic way.
  • (in ancient Rome) a chief magistrate with absolute power, appointed in an emergency.

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin, from dictat- 'dictated', from the verb dictare (see dictate)