despotism
    n 1: dominance through threat of punishment and violence [syn:
         absolutism, tyranny, despotism]
    2: a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute
       dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or
       opposition etc.) [syn: dictatorship, absolutism,
       authoritarianism, Caesarism, despotism, monocracy,
       one-man rule, shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism,
       tyranny]

Despotism \Des"po*tism\, n. [Cf. F. despotisme.]
   1. The power, spirit, or principles of a despot; absolute
      control over others; tyrannical sway; tyranny. "The
      despotism of vice." --Byron.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. A government which is directed by a despot; a despotic
      monarchy; absolutism; autocracy.
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            Despotism . . . is the only form of government which
            may with safety to itself neglect the education of
            its infant poor.                      --Bp. Horsley.
      [1913 Webster]

DESPOTISM, government. That abuse of government, where the sovereign power 
is not divided, but united in the hands of a single man, whatever may be his 
official title. It is not, properly, a form of government. Toull. Dr. Civ. 
Fr. tit. prel. n. 32; Rutherf Inst. b. 1, c. 20, Sec. 1. Vide Tyranny; 
Tyrant.