Despotism (7)
I believe the answer is:
tyranny
<span class="explanation-format__ClueExplanation">'<span class="explanation-format__original">despotism</span>' is the definition.<br/ ><span class="explanation-format__explanation">(synonyms)</span><br/ ><br/ >This is the entire clue.<br/ ></span>
(Other definitions for tyranny that I've seen before include "Reign of terror" , "Cruel rulers" , "Excessive use of power" , "Despotic rule" , "Oppressive government" .)