despotism

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C1 — Advanced

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

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

Etymology

From French despotisme; equivalent to despot + -ism.

In classic literature

Synonyms

absolutism, tyranny

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