despotic

[dih-spot-ik]

See more synonyms for despotic on Thesaurus.com

adjective

of, relating to, or of the nature of a despot or despotism; autocratic; tyrannical.

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Also des·pot·i·cal.

Origin of despotic

1640–50; < French despotique < Greek despotikós. See despot, -ic

Related formsdes·pot·i·cal·ly, adverbnon·des·pot·ic, adjectivenon·des·pot·i·cal·ly, adverbun·des·pot·ic, adjectiveun·des·pot·i·cal·ly, adverb

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?
What Will Be the Next Middle East Shock?
Rob Verger
February 24, 2011
The regime uses the day to tout the triumph of Islam over a despotic regime.
Iran's Execution Binge
Omid Memarian, Roja Heydarpour
February 5, 2011
Another WikiLeaks spokesman was quoted as describing the Russian government as “despotic.”
Moscow's Bid to Blow Up WikiLeaks
Philip Shenon
November 30, 2010

Historical Examples

Nor have the terms of truce been yet devised, on which the despotic ruler may rely with confidence.
Hiero
Xenophon
What peace can he have with those over whom he exercises his despotic sway?
Hiero
Xenophon
Punishment is ever prompt in this country, and despotic methods prevail.
Aztec Land
Maturin M. Ballou
In all countries custom has much power; but in the East it is despotic.
Journal of a Residence at Bagdad
Anthony Groves
What a rebel against authority you are for one so despotic yourself!
Barrington
Charles 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