Class: noun | Syllables: DESS-putt

Definition: A despot is a ruler who has total power and who often uses that power in cruel and unfair ways. Despot can also be used somewhat formally to refer to a person who simply has a lot of power over other people.

Example(s):
// Last semester, one of the history instructors taught a course about the ancient world's most infamous despots.
// He was a successful basketball coach, but many people regarded him as a petty despot.