暴政(ぼうせい)

ぼうせい
noun
tyranny; despotic rule; oppressive government
formalpoliticshistory
1. tyranny; despotic rule; oppressive government
Cruel and unjust rule by a government or ruler that oppresses the people.
The people suffering under tyranny.
The citizens rose up against the tyrannical rule.
History textbooks contain many stories of kings who imposed tyrannical rule.

Describes cruel and oppressive governance by a ruler or government. Frequently encountered in historical and political contexts.

Common collocations

Similar words

  • 独裁(どくさい): dictatorship — rule by a single person, not necessarily cruel
  • 圧政(あっせい): oppression — similar in meaning but emphasizes the weight of authoritarian control
  • 苛政(かせい): harsh government — emphasizes cruelty and harshness in governance; more literary