Despotically: meaning, definitions and examples

Use when referring to a ruler or leader who exercises absolute power in a cruel and unfair manner, typically with no regard for the feelings or welfare of others. This term often has a historical or political context.

• The king ruled despotically, ignoring the needs and rights of his subjects.
• In the novel, the villain acts despotically, enforcing his will through fear and intimidation.

Used to describe a ruler or leader who enforces their will through fear, cruelty, and the abuse of power. This term has strong negative connotations and often describes extreme situations of exploitation or cruelty.

• The dictator controlled the country tyrannically, punishing those who opposed him with imprisonment and torture.
• Throughout history, many rulers have governed tyrannically, instilling fear in their subjects.

Implies a situation where someone in power exercises control in a harsh and unjust way, causing suffering or hardship. This can be used in both political and social contexts to describe actions that make life difficult and unfair for people.

• The regime governed oppressively, stifling any form of dissent.
• The new laws are oppressively restrictive, limiting our basic freedoms.

Works best in formal or political contexts where a single person has complete control over all aspects of governance or an organization, often without input or consent from others.

• The CEO manages the company autocratically, making all major decisions without consulting the board.
• Countries that are ruled autocratically often face issues with corruption and lack of transparency.