Definition
专制 (zhuān zhì) describes a system or ruler with absolute, unchecked power — autocratic or dictatorial. It can be an adjective (专制制度 'autocratic system') or a verb (专制国家 'to rule a country autocratically'). Unlike 独裁 (dúcái), which emphasizes a single dictator, 专制 focuses on the system of concentrated power itself.
adjective
autocraticdictatorial
verb
to rule autocraticallyto exercise dictatorial control
Easily confused
- 专职zhuān zhísound-alikefull-time job; dedicated post; specialized duty
Examples
- 专制。Hěn duō lìshǐ shū dōu pīpíng gǔdài zhuān zhì zhìdù.Many history books criticize ancient autocratic systems.
- 专制，。Zhège gōngsī de guǎnlǐ fāngshì tài zhuān zhì le, yuángōng méiyǒu fāyán quán.This company's management style is too autocratic; employees have no say.
- 专制，。Tā zhuān zhì guójiā jǐ shí nián, zuìzhōng bèi rénmín tuīfān.He ruled the country autocratically for decades and was eventually overthrown by the people.
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