despot Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a cruel and oppressive dictator
    autocrat; tyrant.

WordNet

Des"pot noun
Etymology
F. despote, LL. despotus, fr. Gr. master, lord, the second part of which is akin to husband, and L. potens. See Potent.
Definitions
  1. A master; a lord; especially, an absolute or irresponsible ruler or sovereign.
    Irresponsible power in human hands so naturally leads to it, that cruelty has become associated with despot and tyrant. C. J. Smith.
  2. One who rules regardless of a constitution or laws; a tyrant.

Webster 1913