despot
[des-puh t, -pot]
- a king or other ruler with absolute, unlimited power; autocrat.
- any tyrant or oppressor.
- History/Historical. an honorary title applied to a Byzantine emperor, afterward to members of his family, and later to Byzantine vassal rulers and governors.
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Origin of despot
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for despots
Contemporary Examples
The Castros are the latest in a long line of despots he believed he could negotiate with.
These affinities are arguably at the heart of the 40-year dalliance of Iranian and Syrian despots.
As the trial continues, one thing is certain: Both the despots and ordinary people will be watching closely.
The children of despots often hasten their fathers' downfall.
True, there are some Muslims who are fascist, but why blame Islam for the tyranny of despots?
Historical Examples
When Pausanias remarks that personal attachments are inimical to despots.
SymposiumPlato
His thwarted desires of yesterday were the despots of his wits.
The Sea-HawkRaphael Sabatini
Like all favorites of despots, he had power to abuse, and abused it.
The dear despots of the fireside have a weakness for lawless characters.
Notes on Life and LettersJoseph Conrad
The Norwegian men must be despots, tyrants, actual Heathens and Turks!
Strife and PeaceFredrika Bremer
despot
- an absolute or tyrannical ruler; autocrat or tyrant
- any person in power who acts tyrannically
- a title borne by numerous persons of rank in the later Roman, Byzantine, and Ottoman Empiresthe despot of Servia
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Word Origin
C16: from Medieval Latin despota, from Greek despotēs lord, master; related to Latin domus house
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for despots
despot
n.
1560s, "absolute ruler," from Old French despot (14c.), from Medieval Latin despota, from Greek despotes "master of a household, lord, absolute ruler," from PIE *dems-pota-; for first element see domestic (adj.); second element cognate with Latin potis, potens (see potent).
Faintly pejorative in Greek, progressively more so as used in various languages for Roman emperors, Christian rulers of Ottoman provinces, and Louis XVI during the French Revolution. The female equivalent was despoina "lady, queen, mistress," source of the proper name Despina.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper