Despotic (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty; "an authoritarian regime"; "autocratic government"; "despotic rulers"; "a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war"; "a tyrannical government".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The despotic leader ruled with an iron fist, crushing any opposition to his reign.
- The country's despotic government controlled every aspect of citizens' lives, suppressing individual freedoms.
- Historians viewed the ancient empire as a despotic regime, marked by ruthless suppression of dissent.
- The dictator's despotic rule lasted for decades, characterized by brutal repression of opposition.
- The people feared the new government would become despotic, restricting their civil liberties and suppressing free speech.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 2
Belonging to or having the characteristics of a despot.
Classification
Relational adjectives (pertainyms).
Examples
- The dictator's despotic rule had left the country in shambles, with no freedoms or protections for its citizens.
- The region's history was marked by a series of despotic leaders who used fear and violence to maintain their power.
- The king's despotic tendencies were evident in the way he treated his subjects, imposing harsh punishments for even minor infractions.
- The despotic regime was notorious for its human rights abuses, including torture, imprisonment, and forced labor.
- The people had grown tired of living under a despotic government that cared little for their welfare or well-being.
Synonyms
Related Words
Meaning 3
Ruled by or characteristic of a despot; "moved from a feudal to a despotic order"; "his administration was arrogant and despotic".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The despotic leader imposed strict laws on his people without consulting them first.
- Throughout history, many countries have moved from being feudal societies to despotic regimes where one person holds absolute power.
- Her new boss's despotic management style made her feel like she was in a dictatorship.
- The criticized the current government for its despotic policies that benefit only a select few.
- The king's despotic rule was marked by his use of terror to maintain control over his subjects and silence any opposition.