tyrannicide

American  

[ti-ran-uh-sahyd, tahy-] / tɪˈræn əˌsaɪd, taɪ- /

noun

1. the act of killing a tyrant.

2. a person who kills a tyrant.

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tyrannicide British  

/ tɪˈrænɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the killing of a tyrant

2. a person who kills a tyrant

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Other Word Forms

• tyrannicidal adjective

Etymology

Origin of tyrannicide

First recorded in 1640–50; tyrannicide def. 1 from Latin tyrrannicīdium; tyrannicide def. 2 from tyrannicīda; tyrant, -i- ( def. ), -cide ( def. )

Example Sentences

There was only one passage which in any way bore on the subject of tyrannicide, and that certainly did not express approval.

From Project Gutenberg

Others unpacked their hearts with words in tyrannicide declamations and imitations of Greek tragedy.

From Project Gutenberg

It is not agreed which of these was the original of the marble tyrannicide group in the museum at Naples, for which see article Greek Art, Pl.

From Project Gutenberg

I said that he had explained the decrees away by declaring that he meant no defence of persecution and tyrannicide.

From Project Gutenberg

The apparent carelessness of the unknown tyrannicide had its effect; a suspicion began to creep in that Mr. Ripple's domination was based on insecurity.

From Project Gutenberg