tyrannize

[ tir-uh-nahyz ]
See synonyms for: tyrannizetyrannized on Thesaurus.com

verb (used without object),tyr·an·nized, tyr·an·niz·ing.
  1. to exercise absolute power or control, especially cruelly or oppressively (often followed by over).

  2. to govern despotically, cruelly, or oppressively.

  1. to govern or reign as a tyrant.

verb (used with object),tyr·an·nized, tyr·an·niz·ing.
  1. to rule or govern tyrannically; treat oppressively.

Origin of tyrannize

1
1485–95; <French tyranniser<Late Latin tyrannizāre, equivalent to tyrann(us) tyrant + -izāre-ize
  • Also especially British, tyr·an·nise .

Other words from tyrannize

  • tyr·an·niz·er, noun
  • tyr·an·niz·ing·ly, adverb
  • out·tyr·an·nize, verb (used with object), out·tyr·an·nized, out·tyr·an·niz·ing.
  • un·tyr·an·nized, adjective

Words Nearby tyrannize

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use tyrannize in a sentence

  • Perhaps most important, the idea of putting tyrants on trial has caught on in the countries they tyrannize.

    Take Gaddafi Alive | Geoffrey Robertson | August 23, 2011 | THE DAILY BEAST
  • An old gentleman says, he is the last man in the world to tyrannize over a daughter's affections.

  • The opposition charged the government with a desire to subvert the constitution of Jamaica, and to tyrannize over the colonists.

  • Now, dear, you remember that I prophesied long ago that Mr. Meeks would tyrannize over you hand and foot, if you let him.

    Southern Hearts | Florence Hull Winterburn
  • After a period of that fearful ordeal when children tyrannize for romances that will not come, her mind grew mutinous and balked.

    The Cup of Fury | Rupert Hughes
  • Have not you, you priests, in the West exalted yourselves to tyrannize over the consciences of your fellow-men?

    Akbar | P. A. S. van Limburg-Brouwer

British Dictionary definitions for tyrannize

tyrannize

tyrannise

/ (ˈtɪrəˌnaɪz) /


verb
  1. (when intr, often foll by over) to rule or exercise power (over) in a cruel or oppressive manner

Derived forms of tyrannize

  • tyrannizer or tyranniser, noun

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012