Despotism: meaning, definitions and examples

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despotism

 

[ หˆdษ›spษ™หŒtษชzษ™m ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

government control

Despotism refers to a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power and authority, often exercising oppressive control over its citizens.

Synonyms

autocracy, dictatorship, tyranny

Examples of usage

  • Under the despotism of the dictator, the citizens had no freedom of speech.
  • The despotism of the monarchy led to widespread dissatisfaction among the population.
Context #2 | Noun

domineering behavior

Despotism can also refer to the behavior of a person who exercises tyrannical control over others, often in a harsh and cruel manner.

Synonyms

dominance, oppression, tyrannical behavior

Examples of usage

  • The boss's despotism in the office created a toxic work environment.
  • Her despotism over her siblings made family gatherings tense and unpleasant.

Translations

Translations of the word "despotism" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น despotismo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคจเคฟเคฐเค‚เค•เฅเคถเคคเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Despotismus

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ despotisme

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะดะตัะฟะพั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ despotyzm

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ๅฐ‚ๅˆถๆ”ฟๆฒป

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท despotisme

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ despotismo

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท despotizm

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ „์ œ์ฃผ์˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุงุณุชุจุฏุงุฏ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ despotismus

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ despotizmus

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ไธ“ๅˆถ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ despotizem

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ einrรฆรฐisstefna

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะดะตัะฟะพั‚ะธะทะผ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ“แƒ”แƒกแƒžแƒแƒขแƒ˜แƒ–แƒ›แƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ despotizm

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ despotismo

Etymology

The term 'despotism' originated from the Greek word 'despotes', meaning 'master' or 'lord'. It was initially used to describe rulers with absolute power in ancient Greece. Over time, the concept evolved to encompass oppressive and tyrannical forms of government or behavior. Despotism has been a subject of philosophical and political debate, with thinkers like Montesquieu and Locke critiquing its dangers to individual freedom and democracy.

See also: despotic, despotically.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #12,999, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.