<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>a person exercising absolute power, especially a ruler who has absolute, unrestricted control in a government without hereditary succession.</li><li>(in ancient Rome) a person invested with supreme authority during a crisis, the regular magistracy being subordinated to him until the crisis was met.</li><li>a person who authoritatively prescribes conduct, usage, etc.: a dictator of fashion.</li><li>a person who dictates, as to a secretary.</li></ul>