despotism
pronunciation
How to pronounce despotism in British English:
UK [ˈdespətɪzəm]
How to pronounce despotism in American English:
US [ˈdɛspəˌtɪzəm]
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- Noun:
- dominance through threat of punishment and violence
- a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
Word Origin
- despotism (n.)
- mid-18c., from French despotisme; see despot + -ism. All education is despotism. [William Godwin, "Enquirer," 1797]