despotism

From WikiWord, the free dictionary

/ˈdɛspətɪzəm/ English

Definitions

noun

Government by a singular authority, either a single person or tight-knit group, which rules with absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.

Related words

Synonyms

tyranny dictatorship authoritarianism totalitarianism monocracy caesarism stalinism absolutism shogunate one-man rule totalitarian autocracy despotic arbitrary mercy repressive

Associated

despot tsarist barbarians enlightened enlightenment liberalism oppression aristocracy monarchy

Rhymes

altruism skepticism mechanism dynamism organism schism magnetism hedonism egotism mysticism

References