WordValedespot
a ruler who holds absolute, often cruel, power
In more detail
1. (noun) a ruler or leader who has complete power and uses it in a cruel or oppressive way
2. (noun) any person who uses their power in a tyrannical or cruel manner
Examples
- 1. The despot ruled the country with an iron fist, imprisoning anyone who opposed him.
- 2. The manager acted like a despot, treating his employees unfairly and without respect.
How to use despot
Despot is a formal, judgmental term for a ruler or authority figure who exercises absolute power without restraint or concern for those governed. It carries strong negative connotations and is typically used in historical, political, or rhetorical contexts. Unlike the more neutral 'autocrat,' despot explicitly emphasizes cruelty and oppression rather than merely concentrated authority.
Common phrases
- brutal despot
- absolute despot
- despot's rule
- overthrow a despot
- under the despot
Synonyms
tyrant · dictator · autocrat · oppressor · authoritarian
Opposites
democrat · liberator
Word family
despotic · despotism · despotically
A common mistake
Learners sometimes use 'despot' to mean simply a strong leader without recognizing that the word inherently implies tyranny and abuse of power; it is not merely a synonym for 'leader' or 'ruler.'
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