despotism

noun

des·​po·​tism ˈde-spə-ˌti-zəm 

1

a

: oppressive absolute (see absolute sense 2) power and authority exerted by government : rule by a despot

an excess of law is despotism, from which free men revolt

—S. B. Pettengill

b

: oppressive or despotic exercise of power

educational despotism

2

a

: a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power : absolutism

b

: a despotic state

enduring the despotism of the czars

Synonyms

• absolutism
• autarchy
• authoritarianism
• autocracy
• Caesarism
• czarism
• tsarism
• tzarism
• dictatorship
• totalism
• totalitarianism
• tyranny

Examples of despotism in a Sentence

by the end of the 20th century many countries around the world had rejected despotism in favor of democracy

Recent Examples on the Web

The Netanyahu government is not fighting to liberate Gazans from despotism and establish the foundations for a two-state solution. —Eric Levitz, Vox, 3 June 2024

For decades, his despotism and depravity was limited to the long-suffering Russian people. —New York Daily News Editorial Board, New York Daily News, 15 Mar. 2024

Authoritarians claim that only after scapegoats are purged can a nation be remade in the image of its strong leader, even as the nation, in purging those enemies, degenerates into despotism and lawlessness. —Richard Cherwitz, Hartford Courant, 13 Mar. 2024

The New York Times argued that Tweed’s prosecution offered a chance for New York City to rid itself of corruption, attract business and finance, and show new immigrants that America was a beacon for those fleeing despotism in other parts of the world. —Ray Brescia / Made By History, TIME, 20 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

see despot

First Known Use

circa 1727, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Kids Definition

despotism

noun

des·​po·​tism ˈdes-pə-ˌtiz-əm 

1

: rule by a despot : tyranny

2

: a state or a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power