First Known Use: 1585
Dictionary
despot
noun des·pot \ˈdes-pət, -ˌpät\
: a ruler who has total power and who often uses that power in cruel and unfair ways
: a person who has a lot of power over other people
Full Definition of DESPOT
1
a : a Byzantine emperor or prince b : a bishop or patriarch of the Eastern Orthodox Church c : an Italian hereditary prince or military leader during the Renaissance
2
a : a ruler with absolute power and authority b : a person exercising power tyrannically
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Origin of DESPOT
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DESPOT Defined for Kids
despot
noun des·pot \ˈde-spət\
Definition of DESPOT for Kids
: a ruler having absolute power and authority and especially one who rules cruelly
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