• Today's Word

Despot

🔊 Listen to the word Despot

DES-puht

Definition

(noun) A ruler who holds absolute power, often using it in a harsh or oppressive way.

Example

The novel’s villain is a despot who crushes any hint of dissent to maintain his grip on power.

Word Origin

Despot comes from the Greek despotēs, meaning “master” or “one with authority.”
Originally neutral, the word eventually shifted to describe rulers whose unchecked power became abusive.

Fun Fact

Throughout history, many despots used architecture as psychological control.
By constructing oversized gates, towering statues, and enormous throne or ball rooms, they created environments designed to make citizens feel small — and constantly watched.
Modern behavioral scientists now recognize this as a powerful method for shaping public obedience without ever issuing a spoken threat.