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 a statement, Supervisor Janice Hahn said that federalizing local law enforcement and sending the U.S. military to American cities is “what tyrants do.”

From Los Angeles Times

When an imperial power is in peril, unless there is a significant course correction, potential tyrants can take control, with the urge to destroy sovereign nations abroad and crush sacred freedoms at home.

From Salon

With these two kooky tyrants, you just never know.

From Salon

Netanyahu has accused Iran of deliberately targeting civilians, promising that Israel will "exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran".

From BBC

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a post on X that Israel would "exact the full price from the tyrants in Tehran".

From BBC

Related Words

• autocrat 
• bully 
• despot 
• dictator 
• oppressor