despotic

Despotic is an adjective describing the characteristics or exercise of absolute, unchecked power by a ruler, government, or authority. It implies rule by one person or a small group with little or no constraint by law, institutions, or public accountability, often accompanied by suppression of political freedoms, arbitrary decision making, and harsh enforcement. The term is primarily evaluative and commonly carries a negative connotation.

The word descends from Greek despotēs meaning master or lord, via Latin and French into English. The related noun despot and the noun despotism share the same root and concept of sovereign control.

In modern usage, despotic describes conduct, regimes, or practices that concentrate power and subdue opposition. It can apply to governments, rulers, or organizational leaders who rule through coercion rather than consent. While historically associated with monarchies and autocratic states, the label is also used metaphorically for harsh, arbitrary actions by authorities or administrators. It is distinct from terms like tyrannical and autocratic, though they overlap in describing repressive power; despotic emphasizes arbitrariness and lack of legal constraint.

Scholars distinguish despotism as a system of rule and despotic leadership as its characteristic behavior. Despotic regimes may justify power through various ideologies but maintain control by centralizing decision-making and suppressing the rule of law; critics argue such governance undermines rights, accountability, and justice.

Related terms include despotism, tyranny, autocracy, absolutism, and authoritarianism.