1a : oppressive absolute (see absolute sense 2) power and authority exerted by government : rule by a despot an excess of law is despotism, from which free men revolt— S. B. Pettengill. b : oppressive or despotic exercise of power educational despotism.

What does despotism mean in history?

noun. the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority. absolute power or control; tyranny. an absolute or autocratic government. a country ruled by a despot.

What is despotism with example?

Despotism is defined as a situation in which a ruler has absolute power. A monarchy where a king has absolute power is an example of despotism. ... 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.