ˈæb.sə.luː.tɪz.m̩ ˈæb.səˌluˌtɪz.m̩ ˈdɛspətɪzəm dɪkˈteɪtə(ɹ)ʃɪp ˈdɪkteɪtəɹʃɪp ˈtɪɹəni a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.) dominance through threat of punishment and violence