despot
Noun
Hard difficulty
What does “despot” mean?
noun.a ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way.
SAT Usage
this term typically appears in passages discussing political power, tyranny, or historical contexts. It emphasizes not just absolute authority but also the oppressive and cruel nature of that power, distinguishing it from neutral terms like "leader" or "governor," which do not carry the same negative connotations.
Common Confusions
Despot implies a ruler who wields power oppressively and cruelly, while monarch typically suggests a hereditary leader who may not necessarily govern in an oppressive manner.
Do not choose despot if the context emphasizes benevolence or fairness rather than absolute power exercised in a cruel or oppressive way.
Example Sentences
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The despot ruled through fear and crushed all opposition.
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The despot ruled by fear and silenced his opponents.