despotism
nounUK /ˈdespətɪzəm/
US /ˈdespətɪzəm/
A way of ruling where one person has all the power and can do whatever they want.
The people suffered under years of despotism before they finally won their freedom.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The behavior of a boss or leader who controls others in a cruel and unfair way.
The manager's despotism made everyone afraid to speak up at meetings.
3. A government or system in which a single ruler holds unlimited power.
Historians studied how the ancient despotism eventually collapsed.
4. Any situation where one group has complete control over another.
She compared the strict rules at home to a kind of family despotism.