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Despotism Definition & Meaning

despotism
noun
  1. dominance through threat of punishment and violence
  2. a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

"Despotism" in song lyrics

See how despotism is used in real songs:

  • "democratic despotism"
    AOL — AOL
  • "cuban exile despotism"
    AOL — AOL
  • "max weber enlightened despotism"
    AOL — AOL

Usage tips for "despotism"

Understanding the precise definition of a word helps you use it with confidence. When using "despotism" in your writing, consider whether you need the word itself or one of its synonyms — subtle differences in meaning can change the tone of a sentence. If you're writing poetry or song lyrics, check the rhymes for despotism to find words that pair well.

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Frequently asked questions

What does despotism mean?
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.)
What part of speech is despotism?
Despotism is a noun.
How many definitions does despotism have?
Despotism has 2 definitions across 1 part of speech (noun).

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