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.

---

tyrannicide British  

/ tɪˈrænɪˌsaɪd /

noun

1. the killing of a tyrant

2. a person who kills a tyrant

---

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; see tyrant, -i- ( def. ), -cide ( def. )

Example Sentences

That last characteristic proved central to early-modern debates about tyrannicide.

From Salon • May 17, 2020

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

From Modern Leaders: Being a Series of Biographical Sketches by McCarthy, Justin

"The question of tyrannicide is marvellously interesting," answered Anastase in a meditative tone, as he resumed his work, and glanced critically from Madame Mayer to his canvas and back again.

From Saracinesca by Crawford, F. Marion (Francis Marion)

A medal in honor of Lorenzino's tyrannicide was struck with a profile copied from Michael Angelo's bust of Brutus.

From Renaissance in Italy, Volume 1 (of 7) The Age of the Despots by Symonds, John Addington

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 Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 12, Slice 8 "Haller, Albrecht" to "Harmonium" by Various