despotic

American  

[dih-spot-ik] / dɪˈspɒt ɪk /

Also despotical

adjective

1. of, relating to, or of the nature of a despot or despotism; autocratic; tyrannical.

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Other Word Forms

• despotically adverb
• nondespotic adjective
• nondespotically adverb
• undespotic adjective
• undespotically adverb

Etymology

Origin of despotic

1640–50; < French despotique < Greek despotikós. See despot, -ic

Explanation

A ruler who governs with an iron fist, caring little for the welfare of the people, can be called despotic. Dictators and tyrants are often described as despotic. Despotic is the adjective form of the noun despot, which means "tyrannical ruler." If you live under despotic rule, you probably have few rights and may fear your government. Use despotic to describe rulers that rely on brute force (or the threat of it) rather than the rule of law to keep order. Even if you're not the emperor of your own small kingdom, you might be a despotic boss, intimidating your employees. Might you consider switching to benevolence instead?

Example Sentences

Adolf Hitler, Benito Mussolini, and Francisco Franco had heir faces on stamps, currency, and coins during their respective despotic reigns.

From Slate • Dec. 20, 2025

Far from being despotic, Louis sought to be a constitutional monarch, with representative institutions that could mobilize consent and resources behind state policy.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 31, 2025

In reality they were abandoned to poverty under the rule of despotic local leaders.

From BBC • May 25, 2024

Jefferson complained of “useless judges” and described the judiciary as “a despotic branch.”

From New York Times • May 22, 2023

His chest heaved once, as if his large heart, weary of despotic constriction, had expanded, despite the will, and made a vigorous bound for the attainment of liberty.

From "Jane Eyre" by Charlotte Brontë