despotism

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   Government by a despot or despots: rule by a singular authority, either a single person or a tight-knit group, which rules with absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.

   The iron hand of despotism has quenched the last spark of liberty; hunted down like a wild beast, I am watching an opportunity to fly my degraded and enslaved country.

2. 2
   noun

   a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

3. 3
   noun

   dominance through threat of punishment and violence

From French despotisme; equivalent to despot + -ism.

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