In the 18th century, the Swedish government made coffee and its paraphernalia (including cups and dishes) illegal for its supposed ties to rebellious sentiment.
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
Recent Word Finds
Word of the Day
22 June 2025
STRAP
(noun) an elongated leather strip (or a strip of similar material) for binding things together or holding something in position
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