Despot Meaning and Definition
Despot
Pronunciation
/ˈdɛspɒt/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A ruler who has complete control and power over a country or government, often in a cruel or oppressive way.
Examples
- The despot ruled the country with an iron fist.
- The people lived in fear of the despot’s wrath.
Synonyms
- Tyrant
- Autocrat
Antonyms
- Democrat
- Humanitarian
Additional Information
A despot may rule through fear, violence, and oppression, disregarding the rights and well-being of their citizens. Despotic regimes are often characterized by a lack of political freedom, corruption, and human rights abuses.
The term despot is often used pejoratively to describe rulers who abuse their power and disregard the welfare of their people.
Etymology
The word “despot” comes from the Greek word despotes (δεσπότης), meaning “master” or “lord”. It was first used in the 14th century to describe a ruler who had absolute power.
Usage Notes
The term “despot” is often used in political science and history to describe rulers who have exercised absolute power, such as monarchs or dictators. It is also used figuratively to describe anyone who exercises excessive control or authority.
Cultural References
The term “despot” has been used in popular culture to describe fictional rulers, such as in literature and film. For example, in George Orwell’s novel “1984”, the ruler of Oceania is referred to as the “Despot”.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- Despotic rule
- Iron-fisted despot
Related Words or Phrases
- Tyranny
- Oppression
- Authoritarianism
Collocations
- Despot and dictator
- Despotic regime
- Despot’s power
Frequency of Use
The word “despot” is relatively rare in modern language, but it is often used in political and historical contexts to describe rulers who have abused their power.
Common Misspellings
- Despotte
- Despott
- Despoti