Definitions, Translations, and Word of the Day
Definition of "despot" []
- A ruler with absolute power. (noun)
- A person who wields power oppressively; a tyrant. (noun)
- A Byzantine emperor or prince. (noun)
- An Eastern Orthodox bishop or patriarch. (noun)
American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Use "despot" in a sentence
- "The word "despot" applies to rule by a single person, wielding absolute power, and we use it as a term of condemnation."
- "When one wins an election they were not given the office so "nepotic despot" is just name calling."
- "As the word therefore signifies simply the irresponsible rule of a single person, such person may be more correctly designated by the term despot, or usurper; although, in point of fact, the government was frequently of the most cruel and tyrannical character."