TYRANT Definition & Meaning

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tyrant

[ tahy-ruhnt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

a sovereign or other ruler who uses power oppressively or unjustly.
Synonyms: , ,
any person in a position of authority who exercises power oppressively or despotically.
a tyrannical or compulsory influence.
an absolute ruler, especially one in ancient Greece or Sicily.

tyrant

/ ˈ�ٲ�ɪ��ə�Գ� /

noun

a person who governs oppressively, unjustly, and arbitrarily; despot
any person who exercises authority in a tyrannical manner
anything that exercises tyrannical influence
(esp in ancient Greece) a ruler whose authority lacked the sanction of law or custom; usurper

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Other 51�Թ� Forms

�ܲ�d��·�ٲ�r��Գ� noun

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51�Թ� 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 ��ý��ԲԴǲ�, of uncertain origin, perhaps Anatolian

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51�Թ� History and Origins

Origin of tyrant¹

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

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

They shouldn’t cede the traditions of this country, like the flag, the White House and democracy, to a tyrant like Trump just because he has wrapped himself in them.

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Still, even this glossy set of petty tyrants can recognize a creep and a phony in their ranks, sussing which one of their ilk is showing off their veneers for a half-second too long.

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This isn’t a revolution against tyranny — it’s just another desperate bid for a tyrant of their own.

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We can’t know that — but now he’s back, louder and dumber than before, and claiming that support for a democracy invaded by a tyrant is somehow controversial or wrong.

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"The UK & USA must send the message that we don't let tyrants win!," he posted.

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