1. government by God or gods; rule by divine authority
Usage: formal; theological

Examples

• The ancient civilization was organized as a thearchy with priests serving as rulers.
• Some scholars argue that certain biblical kingdoms represented forms of thearchy.
• The concept of thearchy differs from theocracy in its emphasis on direct divine rule.
• Medieval political theorists debated whether earthly kingdoms could truly achieve thearchy.
• The philosopher described an ideal state based on thearchy rather than human governance.