'Despotism' definitions:

Definition of 'despotism'

From: WordNet
noun
Dominance through threat of punishment and violence [syn: absolutism, tyranny, despotism]
noun
A form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.) [syn: dictatorship, absolutism, authoritarianism, Caesarism, despotism, monocracy, one-man rule, shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism, tyranny]

Definition of 'Despotism'

From: GCIDE
  • Despotism \Des"po*tism\, n. [Cf. F. despotisme.]
  • 1. The power, spirit, or principles of a despot; absolute control over others; tyrannical sway; tyranny. "The despotism of vice." --Byron. [1913 Webster]
  • 2. A government which is directed by a despot; a despotic monarchy; absolutism; autocracy. [1913 Webster]
  • Despotism . . . is the only form of government which may with safety to itself neglect the education of its infant poor. --Bp. Horsley. [1913 Webster]

Synonyms of 'despotism'

From: Moby Thesaurus

Words containing 'Despotism'