Definify.com

Webster 1913 Edition


Tyranny

Tyr′an-ny

(tĭr′an-ny̆)
,
Noun.
[OE.
tirannye
, OF.
tirannie
, F.
tyrannie
; cf. It.
tirannia
; Gr.
τυραννία
,
τυραννίς
, L.
tyrannis
. See
Tyrant
.]
1.
The government or authority of a tyrant; a country governed by an absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government.
“Sir,” would he [Seneca] say, “an emperor mote need
Be virtuous and hate
tyranny
.”
Chaucer.
2.
Cruel government or discipline;
as, the
tyranny
of a schoolmaster
.
3.
Severity; rigor; inclemency.
The
tyranny
of the open night’s too rough
For nature to endure.
Shakespeare

Webster 1828 Edition


Tyranny

TYR'ANNY

,
Noun.
1.
Arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; the exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government. Hence tyranny is often synonymous with cruelty and oppression.
2.
Cruel government or discipline; as the tyranny of a master.
3.
Unresisted and cruel power.
4.
Absolute monarchy cruelly administered.
5.
Severity; rigor; inclemency.
The tyranny o' th' open night.

Definition 2024


tyranny

tyranny

English

Noun

tyranny (countable and uncountable, plural tyrannies)

  1. A government in which a single ruler (a tyrant) has absolute power; this system of government.
  2. The office or jurisdiction of an absolute ruler.
  3. Absolute power, or its use.
  4. A system of government in which power is exercised on behalf of the ruler or ruling class, without regard to the wishes of the governed.
  5. Extreme severity or rigour.

Synonyms

Derived terms

Related terms

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See also