Despotism vs. Autocracy

Despotismnoun

government by a singular authority, either a single person or tight-knit group, which rules with absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.

Autocracynoun

(uncountable) A form of government in which unlimited power is held by a single individual.

Despotismnoun

The power, spirit, or principles of a despot; absolute control over others; tyrannical sway; tyranny.

Autocracynoun

(countable) An instance of this government.

Despotismnoun

A government which is directed by a despot; a despotic monarchy; absolutism; autocracy.

‘Despotism . . . is the only form of government which may with safety to itself neglect the education of its infant poor.’;

Autocracynoun

Independent or self-derived power; absolute or controlling authority; supremacy.

‘The divine will moves, not by the external impulse or inclination of objects, but determines itself by an absolute autocracy.’;

Despotismnoun

dominance through threat of punishment and violence

Autocracynoun

Supreme, uncontrolled, unlimited authority, or right of governing in a single person, as of an autocrat.

Despotismnoun

a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

Autocracynoun

Political independence or absolute sovereignty (of a state); autonomy.

Despotism

Despotism (Greek: Δεσποτισμός, despotismós) is a form of government in which a single entity rules with absolute power. Normally, that entity is an individual, the despot; but (as in an autocracy) societies which limit respect and power to specific groups have also been called despotic.Colloquially, the word despot applies pejoratively to those who use their power and authority to oppress their populace, subjects, or subordinates.

Autocracynoun

The action of the vital principle, or of the instinctive powers, toward the preservation of the individual; also, the vital principle.

Autocracynoun

a political system governed by a single individual

Autocracynoun

a political theory favoring unlimited authority by a single individual

Autocracy

Autocracy is a system of government in which supreme power over a state is concentrated in the hands of one person, whose decisions are subject to neither external legal restraints nor regularized mechanisms of popular control (except perhaps for the implicit threat of coup d'état or other forms of rebellion).In earlier times, the term autocrat was coined as a favorable description of a ruler, having some connection to the concept of as well as an indication of grandeur and power. This use of the term continued into modern times, as the Russian Emperor was styled as late as the early 20th century.

‘lack of conflicts of interests’; ‘Autocrat of all the Russias’;