ɔːˌθɒrɪˈtɛːrɪən əˌθɔrəˈtɛriən disˈpɒt.ɪk dɛsˈpɑt.ɪk tɪˈɹæ.nɪk tɪˈɹæ.nɪ.kəl characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty an authoritarian regime autocratic government despotic rulers a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war a tyrannical government ruled by or characteristic of a despot moved from a feudal to a despotic order his administration was arrogant and despotic belonging to or having the characteristics of a despot