専横(せんおう)

せんおう
noun, na-adjective
despotism; arrogance; arbitrariness
formalwrittenpoliticsevaluation
1. despotism; arrogance; arbitrariness
exercising power in a selfish and arbitrary manner, ignoring others' rights or proper procedures
専横(せんおう)な振(ふ)る舞(ま)いを許(ゆる)さない。
We will not tolerate arrogant behavior.
権力(けんりょく)を握(にぎ)ると専横(せんおう)になりやすい。
One tends to become despotic when holding power.
専横(せんおう)な政治(せいじ)に対(たい)する批判(ひはん)が高(たか)まった。
Criticism of despotic politics intensified.
上司(じょうし)の専横(せんおう)ぶりに部下(ぶか)たちは不満(ふまん)を募(つの)らせている。
The subordinates are growing frustrated with their boss's arbitrariness.

専横(せんおう) describes the abuse of power in an arbitrary, selfish manner, ignoring proper procedures or others' rights.

Writing

  • 専(せん) (exclusive, solely, monopolize)
  • 横(おう) (sideways; unreasonable, arbitrary)

Common patterns

Usage

  • Stronger and more formal than 横暴(おうぼう)
  • Often used in political/historical contexts
  • Implies abuse of power and disregard for others

Similar words

Related words

Related Words

Compare: 横暴(おうぼう) (tyranny, high-handedness)
Compare: 独断(どくだん) (arbitrary decision)
Related: 独裁(どくさい) (dictatorship)
Related: 傲慢(ごうまん) (arrogance)
general
Added 2026.1.25 8:46 · Revised 2026.9.2 13:01
08000/08003_senou