despot
What does "despot" mean?
A despot is a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way. The mental image is of an autocrat sitting on a throne, demanding total obedience and showing no regard for the rights or feelings of those they govern. While the term historically referred to a benign ruler with absolute authority, today it almost exclusively carries a negative connotation. It is used to describe political tyrants, but can also be applied metaphorically to bosses, parents, or teachers who behave in an overbearing, dictatorial manner toward those under their control.
"despot" in conversation
Office politics
Our manager just banned all remote work effective tomorrow.
Our manager just banned all remote work effective tomorrow.
He’s acting like a total despot, refusing to even listen to our feedback.
He’s acting like a total despot, refusing to even listen to our feedback.
Used here to describe a boss who makes unilateral, oppressive decisions.
History class
How did the revolution begin?
How did the revolution begin?
The citizens could no longer tolerate the despot who had seized control of the capital.
The citizens could no longer tolerate the despot who had seized control of the capital.
A standard historical context for the word.
"despot" in a sentence
The country was ruled by a cruel despot.
The country was ruled by a cruel despot.
She refused to let her subordinates suggest improvements, acting like a workplace despot.
She refused to let her subordinates suggest improvements, acting like a workplace despot.
The populace eventually rose up to overthrow the despot and restore democratic governance.
The populace eventually rose up to overthrow the despot and restore democratic governance.
