Synonyms:
absolutism, tyranny, despotism
Meaning: dominance through threat of punishment and violence
Usage examples
That is the law of despotism; the right of slavery.
Thus the vices which despotism engenders are precisely those which equality fosters.
Freedom engenders private animosities, but despotism gives birth to general indifference.
In our age, freedom cannot be established without it, and despotism itself cannot reign without its support.
The despotism of beauty is not a very mild sway, after all; and perhaps the Countess had exercised her rule right royally.
Such a scheme, if practicable at all, would instantly degenerate into a military despotism; but it will be found in every light impracticable.
When Germany begins to trouble about that Dutchman she will find difficulty in getting the body; but such are the languid ways of an Oriental despotism.
Who can predict what effect a despotism, established in Massachusetts, would have upon the liberties of New Hampshire or Rhode Island, of Connecticut or New York?
The difficulty of satisfying these various desires at the same time is the primary cause of the despotism of the will, and the appropriation which results from it.
Despotism, which is of a very timorous nature, is never more secure of continuance than when it can keep men asunder; and all is influence is commonly exerted for that purpose.