Despotism
/dɪˈspɒtɪzəm/noun
A system of government in which one ruler holds absolute power, typically exercised oppressively.
Did you know?In ancient Greek, despótēs could simply mean a household master or lord; its strongly oppressive meaning developed later as the title became associated with absolute rulers.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*dems-potis
“Master or lord of the household; literally, house-master”
Ancient Greek
Greek
δεσπότης (despótēs)
“Master, lord, or household head”
Late Antique Greek
Greek
δεσπότης (despótēs)
“A lord or ruler; increasingly used as a formal title”
Medieval Latin
Latin
despota
“A ruler bearing the title despot”
17th Century
French
despotisme
“Despotic or absolute rule”
17th Century
English
despotism
“Government by a despot; absolute and oppressive rule”