Despotism — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

noun /ˈde-spə-ˌti-zəm/ des·po·tism

Meaning & Definition of Despotism

Despotism (noun)

  1. oppressive absolute power and authority exerted by government, rule by a despot
  2. oppressive or despotic exercise of power
  3. a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power, absolutism

Despotism (noun) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power

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

    similar: absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, dictatorship, totalism, totalitarianism, tyranny
    related: monarchism, monarchy, monocracy, Big Brother, Big Brotherism, Communism, fascism, Nazism, domination, oppression
    near: democracy, self-governance, self-government, self-rule, freedom, self-determination, autonomy, sovereignty

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Despotism

The most common words with a similar meaning to Despotism:

absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, dictatorship, totalism, totalitarianism, tyranny

Related Words for Despotism

monarchism, monarchy, monocracy, Big Brother, Big Brotherism, Communism, fascism, Nazism, domination, oppression

Near Antonyms of Despotism

democracy, self-governance, self-government, self-rule, freedom, self-determination, autonomy, sovereignty

Origin & Etymology of Despotism

First known use: circa 1727

Frequently Asked Questions about Despotism

What does "Despotism" mean?

"Despotism" means oppressive absolute power and authority exerted by government, rule by a despot. As a noun, it is defined as: oppressive absolute power and authority exerted by government, rule by a despot.

What is another word for "Despotism"?

Other words for "Despotism" include absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, dictatorship and totalism. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Despotism" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Despotism"?

There are 20 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Despotism". Common alternatives include absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism, czarism, dictatorship, totalism, totalitarianism and tyranny.

How do you use "Despotism" in a sentence?

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".

Is "Despotism" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Despotism" is a noun.

How do you pronounce "Despotism"?

"Despotism" is pronounced /ˈde-spə-ˌti-zəm/ and divided into syllables as des·po·tism.

What is the origin of the word "Despotism"?

First known use: circa 1727.

What is another word for "Despotism" meaning "a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power"?

When "Despotism" (noun) means a system of government in which the ruler has unlimited power, synonyms include absolutism, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, Caesarism and czarism.