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View synonyms for despotism

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
“Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged” 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012


despotism

  1. Unlimited political rule by one person.


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Notes

The term usually suggests unscrupulous rule, or tyranny.
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Word History and Origins

Origin of despotism1

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

One Illinois writer dramatically claimed in 1923 that “A scar from forced vaccination is a brand, a mark of medical tyranny and despotism.”

From Time

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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despotic monarchyDes Prés