despotism
noun
[ ˈdɛspətɪz(ə)m ]
• the exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
• "the ideology of enlightened despotism"
Similar:
tyranny,
dictatorship,
totalitarianism,
authoritarianism,
absolute rule,
absolutism,
oppression,
repression,
suppression,
autocracy,
monocracy,
autarchy,
Origin:
early 18th century: from French despotisme, from despote (see despot).
