despot

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The definition of a despot is a ruler who has absolute power, especially when the ruler is cruel in his exercise of power.

(noun)

An example of a despot is an evil dictator.

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See despot in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

  1. Archaic a title meaning “master,” applied to certain classes of rulers, as Byzantine emperors or bishops of the Greek church
  2. an absolute ruler; king with unlimited powers; autocrat
  3. anyone in charge who acts like a tyrant

Origin: OFr despote < Gr despotēs, a master, lord < IE *dems-potis, lit., house master < *dem-, house (> timber, L domus) + *potis, master, husband (> L potis, potent, Goth -faths, husband)

See despot in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. A ruler with absolute power.
  2. A person who wields power oppressively; a tyrant.
  3. a. A Byzantine emperor or prince.
    b. An Eastern Orthodox bishop or patriarch.

Origin:

Origin: French despote

Origin: , from Medieval Latin despota

Origin: , from Greek despotēs, master; see dem- in Indo-European roots

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Related Forms:

  • des·potˈic (dĭ-spŏtˈĭk) adjective
  • des·potˈi·cal·ly adverb

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