tyranny
pronunciation
How to pronounce tyranny in British English:
UK [ˈtɪrəni]
How to pronounce tyranny in American English:
US [ˈtɪrəni]
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- Noun:
- a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
- dominance through threat of punishment and violence
Word Origin
- tyranny (n.)
- late 14c., "cruel or unjust use of power; the government of a tyrant," from Old French tyranie (13c.), from Late Latin tyrannia "tyranny," from Greek tyrannia "rule of a tyrant, absolute power," from tyrannos "master" (see tyrant).
Synonym
oppression absolute iron repression reign authority domination power suppression of control hand rod complete rule dictatorship sovereignty unlimited supremacy jackboot despotism terror
Example
- 1. Revolution and independence rarely provide escape from this tyranny .
- 2. Tyranny pre-dated mr bush and will outlast him .
- 3. These steady advances have been achieved with surprisingly little discord and much satisfaction after decades of tyranny .
- 4. Enlargement remains the union 's greatest achievement , reuniting a continent divided by decades of communist tyranny .
- 5. We will support policies that lead to strong and stable democracies and open markets , because tyranny is no match for liberty .