despotism: Meaning and Definition of

des•pot•ism

Pronunciation: (des'pu-tiz"um), [key]
— n.
  1. the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority.
  2. absolute power or control; tyranny.
  3. an absolute or autocratic government.
  4. a country ruled by a despot.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.
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