despot

Definitions

A ruler or other person who holds absolute power, typically one who exercises it in a cruel or oppressive way.

A person who behaves in an autocratic or tyrannical manner.

Examples

The citizens finally rose up to overthrow the cruel despot who had ruled their country for decades.

History is filled with stories of a power-hungry despot who sought to control every aspect of his subjects' lives.

Synonyms

tyrant dictator autocrat oppressor totalitarian monarch absolute ruler

Antonyms

democrat liberator servant subject representative humanitarian supporter of freedom