tyrannize

American  

[tir-uh-nahyz] / ˈtɪr əˌnaɪz /

especially British, tyrannise

verb (used without object)

tyrannized, tyrannizing

1. to exercise absolute power or control, especially cruelly or oppressively (often followed byover ).

2. to govern despotically, cruelly, or oppressively.

3. to govern or reign as a tyrant.

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verb (used with object)

tyrannized, tyrannizing

1. to rule or govern tyrannically; treat oppressively.

tyrannize British  

/ ˈtɪrəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to rule or exercise power (over) in a cruel or oppressive manner

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Other Word Forms

• outtyrannize
  verb (used with object)
• tyrannizer
  noun
• tyrannizingly
  adverb
• untyrannized
  adjective

Etymology

Origin of tyrannize

1485–95; < French tyranniser < Late Latin tyrannizāre, equivalent to tyrann ( us ) tyrant + -izāre -ize

Explanation

To tyrannize is to rule with cruel and unrestrained amounts of power. If a bully tries to tyrannize the playground, gather your friends and put a stop to it! A leader who tyrannizes is known as a tyrant. These rulers are not restrained by laws or a constitution but have complete authority over their subjects. Given this description, there may be days when it feels like your parents tyrannize you! This word is rooted in the Greek tyrannos, "master, sovereign or absolute ruler unlimited by law."