Despotist

/dɛˈspɒtɪst/ noun

Definition

A person who practices or advocates for despotism; a tyrant or one who supports absolute rule.

Etymology

From despotism plus the suffix -ist (one who practices or believes in). This word is rare in modern usage, as speakers typically prefer 'despot' or 'tyrant' for the person and 'despotism' for the system.

Kelly Says

This awkward word reveals how English speakers prefer calling bad rulers 'despots' rather than 'despotists'—showing that some word formations, even if grammatically logical, don't catch on because they feel clunky in the mouth.

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