Dictionary
des•pot•ism
Pronunciation: (des'pu-tiz"um), [key]—
n.
1. the rule of a despot; the exercise of absolute authority.
2. absolute power or control; tyranny.
3. an absolute or autocratic government.
4. a country ruled by a despot.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.