despotic
[dih-spot-ik]
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Also des·pot·i·cal.
Origin of despotic
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for despotic
Contemporary Examples
As despotic regimes across the Arab world crumble or battle for survival, what lies ahead?
The regime uses the day to tout the triumph of Islam over a despotic regime.
Another WikiLeaks spokesman was quoted as describing the Russian government as “despotic.”
Historical Examples
What peace can he have with those over whom he exercises his despotic sway?
HieroXenophon
Nor have the terms of truce been yet devised, on which the despotic ruler may rely with confidence.
HieroXenophon
Punishment is ever prompt in this country, and despotic methods prevail.
Aztec LandMaturin M. Ballou
In all countries custom has much power; but in the East it is despotic.
Journal of a Residence at BagdadAnthony Groves
What a rebel against authority you are for one so despotic yourself!
BarringtonCharles James Lever
Word Origin and History for despotic
adj.
1640s, from French despotique (14c.), from Greek despotikos, from despotes (see despot). Related: Despotical; despotically.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper