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despot

Noun

IPA /ˈdespɒt/

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Meaning in plain English

A ruler with great power who often uses it harshly or cruelly.

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Pronunciation

despot/ˈdespɒt/

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A ruler controls almost all decisions
They impose their will on everyone
People suffer under harsh rule

A despot holds great power and commonly uses it cruelly.

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The film tells the story of villagers resisting a cruel despot.
The history essay compared the methods used by two military despots.

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The film tells the story of villagers resisting a cruel ________.

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despot — A ruler with great power who often uses it harshly or cruelly.

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A ruler with great power who often uses it harshly or cruelly.

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Word origin

Through French and Latin from Greek despotes, meaning master or absolute ruler.

Did you know?

Despotic is an adjective used to describe a ruler or system with this kind of power.

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