Meaning of DESPOTISM
| Pronunciation: | | 'despu`tizum
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 WordNet Dictionary |
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- [n] a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
- [n] dominance through threat of punishment and violence
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| | Synonyms: | | absolutism, absolutism, authoritarianism, Caesarism, dictatorship, monocracy, one-man rule, shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism, tyranny, tyranny |
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| | See Also: | | ascendance, ascendancy, ascendence, ascendency, autarchy, autocracy, control, dominance, police state | |
| Webster's 1913 Dictionary |
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| | Definition: | | \Des"po*tism\, n. [Cf. F. despotisme.]
1. The power, spirit, or principles of a despot; absolute
control over others; tyrannical sway; tyranny. ``The
despotism of vice.'' --Byron.
2. A government which is directed by a despot; a despotic
monarchy; absolutism; autocracy.
Despotism . . . is the only form of government which
may with safety to itself neglect the education of
its infant poor. --Bp. Horsley.
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| | Related Terms: | | absolute monarchy, absolutism, argumentum baculinum, autarchy, authoritarianism, autocracy, benevolent despotism, big stick, Caesarism, czarism, dictatorship, domination, domineering, fascism, heavy hand, high hand, iron boot, iron hand, iron heel, kaiserism, monarchy, monocracy, one-man rule, one-party rule, oppression, paternalism, reign of terror, repression, Stalinism, suppression, terrorism, thought control, totalitarianism, tyranny |
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