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Dictionary.com

despotize

VERB
browbeat
Synonyms
STRONGEST
badger bully coerce harass hector intimidate lean on oppress
STRONG
bludgeon bluster bulldoze cow domineer dragoon frighten overawe overbear threaten tyrannize
WEAK
lord it over put heat on put the chill on put through the wringer
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist help leave alone
WEAK
boost coax compliment praise
VERB
bully
Synonyms
STRONGEST
bludgeon browbeat coerce harass hector oppress persecute terrorize threaten torment torture
STRONG
bluster buffalo bulldoze cow domineer dragoon enforce menace overbear showboat swagger tyrannize
WEAK
lean on ride roughshod turn on the heat walk heavy
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid alleviate help make happy please relieve
WEAK
leave alone
VERB
oppress
Synonyms
STRONGEST
afflict annoy beat down harass maltreat overwhelm persecute pick on prey on subjugate suppress torment torture trample vex
STRONG
abuse aggrieve burden crush dishearten dispirit distress encumber force harry hound outrage overcome overload overpower overthrow plague press ride rule sadden saddle smother strain subdue tax trouble worry wrong
WEAK
keep down put down put screws to put the squeeze on put upon tyrannize weigh heavy upon
Antonyms
STRONGEST
aid assist comfort help make happy please soothe
STRONG
benefit calm compliment delight encourage give in inspirit leave alone let go praise release surrender yield
WEAK
boost gladden

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Like a practical people as we pride ourselves, we have begun actually to despotize our institutions in order to control these dissident elements, though still optimistically holding that we retain the original democracy.

From Races and Immigrants in America by Commons, John R. (John Rogers)