What is despotic meaning?

Despotic means having absolute power and authority, usually exerted in a cruel or oppressive manner. Despotic rulers suppress individual freedom, suppress dissenters and use force to maintain control. Such tyranny is often characterized by a lack of accountability, corruption, and the suppression of the rule of law. Despotic regimes can be found throughout history, from ancient times to the present day. The term can also be used more generally to describe any situation where power is consolidated in the hands of a single individual or group, with little or no regard for the rights or welfare of others.