1. Absolute power exercised by a ruler with no legal or constitutional restrictions; tyranny
The country suffered under the despotism of the dictator for decades.
O país sofreu sob o despotismo do ditador por décadas.
2. Oppressive, authoritarian, or tyrannical rule or control
The despotism of the regime suppressed all forms of free speech.
O despotismo do regime suprimiu todas as formas de liberdade de expressão.