tyrannicide

[ti-ran-uh-sahyd, tahy-]

noun

1. the act of killing a tyrant.

2. a person who kills a tyrant.

tyrannicide

/ tɪˈrænɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the killing of a tyrant

2. a person who kills a tyrant

Other Word Forms

• tyrannicidal adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyrannicide¹

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

Example Sentences

“So perhaps the solution is tyrannicide. As he might say himself – ‘take him out,’” it continues.

From Washington Times

His act of "tyrannicide" against the president was intended to change post-bellum America for the better.

From The Guardian

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