despotic
UK /dɪˈspɒt.ɪk/ US /dɪˈspɑː.tɪk/ Syllables: des-pot-ic
Quick answer
Ruling with total and often cruel power, without regard for the wishes of others.
Despotic describes rule or behavior that uses total power in a harsh, unfair way. A despotic king makes every decision alone and punishes anyone who disagrees. The word is mostly used for governments and leaders, but it also fits a boss, a coach or a parent who gives orders and allows no questions. It is a strong word of criticism, and it is often paired with words such as regime, ruler and rule. The noun for such a ruler is a despot.
"The despotic ruler crushed any sign of opposition."Meanings
- Ruling with total power and often with cruelty.
- Behaving in a bossy, controlling way.
Example sentences
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"The country suffered under a despotic ruler for thirty years."
Level B2, Meaning 1
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"Her despotic manager allowed no questions."
Level B2, Meaning 2
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"People rose against the despotic regime."
Level B2, Meaning 1
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"A despotic father may mean well but still frighten his children."
Level C1, Meaning 2
Synonyms and antonyms
Synonyms
Antonyms
Look-alikes and common mistakes
- tyrannical : Tyrannical is nearly the same: cruel and unjust use of power. Despotic often stresses that one person holds all the power.
- authoritarian : Authoritarian describes a system that demands strict obedience and can be less harsh. Despotic suggests cruelty and no limits.
Word family and forms
Word partners
Words and phrases that often go with "despotic".
- despotic ruler
- despotic regime
- despotic power
- despotic government
- a despotic boss
- despotic rule
Origin
Despotic comes from French despotique, which took it from Greek despotikos, meaning of a master. It is related to the word despot. English writers were using it in the 1600s.
Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Dictionary.com.
Usage notes
"Despotic" comes from "despot," a ruler with unlimited power, and is almost always used critically.
How to remember it
A despot sits on top of everyone. Remember despot, then add -ic to describe how that person rules.
Test yourself
Which word fits the gap? "The country suffered under a _____ ruler for thirty years."
Answer: despotic
In your own words, what does "despotic" mean?
Ruling with total and often cruel power, without regard for the wishes of others.
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Sources and credits
- Wiktionary, the free dictionary (CC BY-SA 4.0) · used for the origin · checked Oct 19, 2026
- Dictionary.com · used for the origin · checked Oct 19, 2026
Last reviewed October 19, 2026. Report a mistake on this page