How Do You Spell DESPOTISM?

Pronunciation: [dˈɛspətˌɪzəm] (IPA)

Despotism (/ˈdɛspətɪzəm/) is a form of government where a single ruler, known as a despot, has absolute control over the country's affairs. The spelling of the word "despotism" follows the English pronunciation rules, where the "s" is pronounced as a "z" sound when it appears between two vowels, as in "despotic" (/dɛˈspɒtɪk/). The word is derived from the Greek word "despotes" which means "master" or "lord," and the suffix "-ism" which indicates a system or doctrine.

DESPOTISM Meaning and Definition

1. Despotism is a form of governance characterized by absolute power and authority vested in a single ruler or a small group, where the ruler exercises unregulated control over the state and its citizens. Derived from the Greek words "despotes" meaning "master" and "ismos" indicating a system or belief, despotism denotes a system of government where the ruler possesses unlimited power often obtained through force or inheritance.

   In a despotic regime, the ruler exercises arbitrary and oppressive control, disregarding the rights, freedoms, and voices of the governed. This type of governance relies on autocracy, where all political, social, and economic decisions are made solely by the ruler or ruling group, without consultation or consent from the citizens. Despotic rulers often curtail civil liberties, suppress political opposition, and manipulate legal systems to maintain their power and silence dissent.

   Despotism is often associated with cruelty, oppression, and abuse of power, as the ruler has no checks or balances to limit their actions. The populace is commonly subjected to extensive surveillance, censorship, and lack of individual freedoms. Despotic regimes may also exploit their authority to enrich themselves and their close associates, leading to economic inequalities and corruption.

   Historically, despotic governments have appeared in various forms across different cultures and periods, from ancient tyrannies to modern totalitarian states. However, the term can also be used metaphorically to describe any situation or organization where power is excessively concentrated and wielded without regard for the well-being or opinions of others.

2. A government with authority unlimited or uncontrolled; the government of an absolute prince; tyranny.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for DESPOTISM

• depotism
• despotis
• sespotism
• xespotism
• cespotism
• fespotism
• respotism
• eespotism
• dwspotism
• dsspotism
• ddspotism
• drspotism
• d4spotism
• d3spotism
• deapotism
• dezpotism
• despotizm
• desoptism
• despoties
• despotaism
• diaspotism

Etymology of DESPOTISM

The word "despotism" originated from the Greek word "despotes", which means "master" or "lord". It developed from the term "despotēs", used in the Byzantine Empire to refer to an absolute ruler or autocrat. The Greek word "despotes" can be traced back to the combination of "des", meaning "binding" or "constraining", and "potēs", meaning "power" or "ruler". Over time, the term "despotism" evolved to specifically denote a form of government where a single individual exercises oppressive or tyrannical control.

Similar spelling words for DESPOTISM

• despite,
• despotical,
• decapod,
• despot,
• despotic.

Plural form of DESPOTISM is DESPOTISMS