tyrant

[tahy-ruhnt]

noun

1. a sovereign or other ruler who uses power oppressively or unjustly.

   Synonyms: dictator, autocrat, despot

2. any person in a position of authority who exercises power oppressively or despotically.

3. a tyrannical or compulsory influence.

4. an absolute ruler, especially one in ancient Greece or Sicily.

tyrant

/ ˈtaɪrənt /

noun

1. a person who governs oppressively, unjustly, and arbitrarily; despot

2. any person who exercises authority in a tyrannical manner

3. anything that exercises tyrannical influence

4. (esp in ancient Greece) a ruler whose authority lacked the sanction of law or custom; usurper

Other Word Forms

• undertyrant noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyrant¹

First recorded in 1250–1300; Middle English tirant, from Old French, earlier tiran (with the addition of t by association with -ant ( def. ) ), from Latin tyrannus, from Greek týrannos, of uncertain origin, perhaps Anatolian

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyrant¹

C13: from Old French tyrant, from Latin tyrannus, from Greek turannos

Example Sentences

In Europe, it was fought against Nazi Germany and Adolf Hitler, a tyrant and true monster, and against Italy and Benito Mussolini, a clownish but vile Fascist.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Conciliators and aspiring tyrants alike have long laid claim to Lincoln’s warnings against mob rule.

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Humans have laughed at tyrants going back to the days of the ancient Greeks.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Queer irony acts as a pre-programmed check on tyrants for the common well-being.

Read more on Salon

“I have been disappointed, deeply deeply disappointed by people who are powerful who are bending the knee at the foot of this tyrant,” Harris said.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• autocrat 
• bully 
• despot 
• dictator 
• oppressor