DESPOTISM
dictatorship, absolutism, authoritarianism, Caesarism, despotism, monocracy, one-man rule, shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism, tyranny
(noun) a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
absolutism, tyranny, despotism
(noun) dominance through threat of punishment and violence
Source: WordNet® 3.1
Etymology
Noun
despotism (countable and uncountable, plural despotisms)
government by a singular authority, either a single person or tight-knit group, which rules with absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
Synonyms
• tyranny
Anagrams
• misposted
Source: Wiktionary
Des"po*tism, n. Etym: [Cf. F. despotisme.]
1. The power, spirit, or principles of a despot; absolute control
over others; tyrannical sway; tyranny. "The despotism of vice."
Byron.
2. A government which is directed by a despot; a despotic monarchy;
absolutism; autocracy.
Despotism . . . is the only form of government which may with safety
to itself neglect the education of its infant poor. Bp. Horsley.
Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition