'despotic' originates from the Greek word 'despotēs,' where 'despotēs' meant 'master' or 'lord.'

'despotēs' transformed into the Latin word 'despoticus,' and eventually became the modern English word 'despotic' through Old French 'despotique.'

Initially, it meant 'master or lord,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way.'