Despotism: meaning, definitions and examples

Used to describe a system of government where a single ruler holds absolute power and often exercises it in a cruel or oppressive manner. It's often found in historical contexts or discussions about abuses of power.

• The country endured years of despotism under the ruthless king.
• The novel depicts a society suffering under the despotism of an unyielding government.

Commonly used to describe a situation where absolute power is exercised in a harsh and unjust manner, often with the connotation of cruelty and injustice. Used in both historical contexts and modern critiques of oppressive leadership.

• The people revolted after years of suffering under the ruler's tyranny.
• His reign of tyranny led to widespread fear and resentment.

Refers to a political system where one person has unlimited power, and there are no checks or balances. Often used in theoretical or political science discussions.

• The nation transitioned from a democracy to an autocracy under the new regime.
• Scholars debated the long-term impacts of autocracy on economic growth.

Describes a form of government where a single person or party has absolute control, often coming to power through non-democratic means. It frequently carries negative connotations of repression and lack of freedoms.

• The dictatorship silenced all forms of opposition.
• Living under a dictatorship, the citizens had few rights and little freedom.

Used in political or historical contexts to describe a system or rule by a single authority with absolute power, often with connotations of misuse or abuse of power.

• The country suffered under the despotism of the dictator for decades.
• Despotism often leads to widespread oppression and a lack of freedoms.

Used to describe actions or behaviors by individuals who exercise power in a cruel or arbitrary way. This term is negatively charged and often used in personal, organizational, or political contexts.

• The manager's tyrannical behavior led to many employees resigning.
• The regime's tyrannical behavior was condemned by the international community.

This word is used to reflect a prolonged and unjust treatment or control over a group of people, often associated with social and political contexts. It has a strong negative connotation.

• The people revolted against the oppression they faced daily.
• Centuries of oppression have marked the history of this region.

Commonly used in various contexts such as social, economic, or biological to describe a situation where one entity or individual has control or influence over others. It doesn't necessarily carry a negative connotation.

• The company's dominance in the tech industry is undeniable.
• In the animal kingdom, certain species exhibit dominance over others.