despotically
1
8.8
- adverb
- /dɛsˈpɒtɪkli/
- The government acted despotically, imposing strict laws that limited the freedoms of its citizens.
Loading YouTube…
Watch on YouTubeDoes it rule despotically or should it rule in a different way?
- Does it rule despotically or should it rule in a different way?
- It may just be the individual ruling for his or her own benefit despotically.
Examples
-
She despotically controlled every aspect of her employees' work lives, leaving no room for creativity.
-
Yet traces remain of the Eric Hobsbawm who was once a fanatic acolyte of the despotically governed world religion of Communism.
Blog text (22) -
There is nothing to suggest that he ruled the people despotically.
Academic text (1990) -
In practice, then, plantations were local governments below the county level where black residents were governed despotically.
Academic text (2017) -
If plantation localism was illegitimate because it excluded some white citizens, what about the millions of slaves who were governed despotically by their owners?
Academic text (2017) -
If Wright hadn't antagonized Republicans by acting despotically, they would never have hounded him so relentlessly on ethics charges.
Academic text (1990) -
In the meantime, her house is a stage set and, in Lionel Abel's terms, she is the would-be dramatist: she times her entrances, dons costumes from her youth, calls for lighting and sound effects, and despotically commands the others to play their designated parts.
Academic text (1994) -
The dictator ruled his country despotically, suppressing any opposition and dissent.
Synonyms
7
7.7
In a very strict and harsh way to control people
1
7.9
In a cruel, unfair way using strong control over others
1
8.1
To act with complete power without asking other people what they think
1
9.1
In a strong controlling way that ignores other people's opinions
Antonyms
How Tyrannical
Surface Forms
Morphology
Etymology
The word despotically comes from despot, a word that originally meant 'master' or 'lord'. So, to act despotically is to behave like a ruler who forces people around and ignores their rights.