despotism

[ des-puh-tiz-uhm ]

noun

1. the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority.
2. absolute power or control; tyranny.
3. an absolute or autocratic government.
4. a country ruled by a despot.

despotism

/ ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm /

noun

1. the rule of a despot; arbitrary, absolute, or tyrannical government
2. arbitrary or tyrannical authority or behaviour

despotism

1. Unlimited political rule by one person.

Notes

The term usually suggests unscrupulous rule, or tyranny.

Word History and Origins

Origin of despotism¹

From the French word despotisme, dating back to 1720–30. See despot, -ism

Example Sentences

It has been a short and often brutal life for Iraq, marked by imperial conquest, war, and crushing despotism.

From The Daily Beast

The problem is that “this dude” does more than “one thing”—unless Rodman is referring to despotism generally, which I doubt.

From The Daily Beast

In his time, in the ashes of world war, another critical part of the world was torn between democracy and despotism.

From The Daily Beast

Rouzbeh and Trita Parsi on the revolutionary government's return to despotism.

From The Daily Beast

It marks the promise of a life without monarchical despotism, but also, in hindsight, all that can go wrong with a revolution.

From The Daily Beast

France had been a direct and formal despotism for almost two hundred years.

From Project Gutenberg

The shackles of despotism, which began to be loosened on the 24th of August in Porto, are now bursting in this province.

From Project Gutenberg

This unheard-of despotism, this horrible political perjury, was certainly not merited by the good and generous Brazil.

From Project Gutenberg

Her ownership ranged from absolute despotism to humble slavery, and he was happy through it all.

From Project Gutenberg

Rely upon me, as I on you, and you will see democracy and despotism annihilated by rational liberty.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• authoritarianism
• autocracy
• tyranny