Tyranny: meaning, definitions and examples

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tyranny

[ ˈtɪrəni ]

^{Context #1}

government

Cruel and oppressive government or rule. A system in which a single ruler or group has absolute power over a country or people.

Synonyms

autocracy, despotism, oppression

Examples of usage

The people rebelled against the tyranny of the dictator.
Living under the tyranny of a totalitarian regime is unbearable.

^{Context #2}

behavior

Cruel and unjust use of power or authority. Unreasonable or arbitrary use of power or control.

Synonyms

authoritarianism, dominance, tyrannical behavior

Examples of usage

The boss's tyranny over his employees created a toxic work environment.
The teacher's tyranny in the classroom stifled creativity.

Translations

Translations of the word "tyranny" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tirania

🇮🇳 तानाशाही

🇩🇪 Tyrannei

🇮🇩 tirani

🇺🇦 тиранія

🇵🇱 tyrania

🇯🇵 専制政治

🇫🇷 tyrannie

🇪🇸 tiranía

🇹🇷 zorbalık

🇰🇷 폭정

🇸🇦 طغيان

🇨🇿 tyranie

🇸🇰 tiranie

🇨🇳 暴政

🇸🇮 tiranska vladavina

🇮🇸 ofríki

🇰🇿 тирания

🇬🇪 ტირანია

🇦🇿 tiranlıq

🇲🇽 tiranía

Word origin

The word 'tyranny' comes from the Greek word 'tyrannos', which originally meant 'illegitimate ruler' or 'usurper'. In ancient Greece, a tyrant was a ruler who seized power without legal right. Over time, the term evolved to describe oppressive and unjust rule. Tyranny has been a recurring theme in history, with many societies struggling against tyrannical governments and leaders.