tyrant
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for tyrant, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A ruler who governs cruelly and unfairly, often having seized power illegally.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use tyrant
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old French tyrant, ultimately from the Greek word for a usurper or absolute ruler.
Full origin of tyrant →Frequently asked questions
What does “tyrant” mean?
The word “tyrant” means a ruler who governs cruelly and unfairly, often having seized power illegally. In plain terms, a cruel, unjust ruler — or, more loosely, anyone who bosses others around harshly.
How do you pronounce “tyrant”?
“Tyrant” is pronounced TEYE-ruhnt (/ˈtaɪɹənt/ in IPA).
How do you use “tyrant” in a sentence?
Here is “tyrant” used in a sentence: “The people finally rose up against the tyrant.”
What part of speech is “tyrant”?
“Tyrant” is a noun.
Where does the word “tyrant” come from?
The word “tyrant” comes from Old French. From Old French tyrant, ultimately from the Greek word for a usurper or absolute ruler.
Is “tyrant” a common word?
“Tyrant” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “tyrant” have?
“Tyrant” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a ruler who governs cruelly and unfairly, often having seized power illegally.