də̇ˈspäd.]ik, (ˈ)de|s-, -ät], ]ēk adjective
also des·pot·i·cal ]ə̇kəl
Etymology: French despotique, from Greek despotikos, from despotēs + -ikos -ic, -ical
1. : belonging to or having the character of an absolute ruler
God's universal law gave to the man despotic power over his female — John Milton
the introduction of European civilization was forced from above by despotic rulers chiefly for military and political reasons — M.R.Cohen
2. : ruling as or ruled by a despot
the government of China was based upon natural law and was that of a despotic emperor — A.E.Nuquist
moved from a feudal to a despotic order — K.A.Wittfogel
especially : exhibiting imperious and usually oppressive exercise of absolute power
his administration remained arrogant and despotic
3. : generally domineering and arbitrary
as despotic as an old-time schoolmaster
Synonyms: see absolute