despotism
/ˈdɛspətɪz(ə)m
/noun [mass noun]
1The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way: the ideology of enlightened despotism...
- The fact is that every Christian government that preceded them thought that Christianity implied tyranny, despotism, and the oppression of non-Christians.
- He wanted to free Europe from tyranny, oppression and despotism.
- I do admire in that work your condemnation of arbitrary power and despotism as destructive of freedom.
Synonyms
tyranny, dictatorship, totalitarianism, authoritarianism, absolute rule, absolutism;
oppression, repression, suppression;
autocracy, monocracy, autarchy
1.1 [count noun] A country or political system where the ruler holds absolute power: some nations are democracies, others are despotisms...
- Machiavelli relied heavily on the dichotomy between republican and princely government, Montesquieu on a trichotomy of republics, monarchies, and despotisms.
- Russia closely resembled the ancient Oriental despotisms such as those in Mesopotamia and pharaonic Egypt, where the rulers were the exclusive owners of all that lay within their domain.
- Of course, history has been replete with despotisms and petty dictatorships.
Origin
Early 18th century: from French despotisme, from despote (see despot).