tyranny
TUH-ruh-nee
Tyranny (noun) means Cruel and unjust rule by a single powerful leader or small group. Example: “The revolution finally put an end to decades of tyranny.”
noun
1
Cruel and unjust rule by a single powerful leader or small group.
"The revolution finally put an end to decades of tyranny."
"Citizens lived in fear under the tyranny of the regime."
How to use tyranny
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishHarsh, unjust rule, or the system of government carried out by a tyrant.
Common pairings
live under tyranny
the tyranny of
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Word forms
- Plural
- tyrannies
Fill the gap
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The revolution finally put an end to decades of _____.
Etymology
From Old French tyrannie, ultimately from the Greek word for the rule of an absolute ruler or tyrant.
Synonyms
View more →
monocracy
authoritarianism
totalitarianism
shogunate
absolutism
Stalinism
Caesarism
autocracy
despotism
dictatorship
absolute monarchy
tyranthood
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for tyranny
See all rhymes for tyranny →Frequently asked questions
What does “tyranny” mean?
The word “tyranny” means cruel and unjust rule by a single powerful leader or small group. In plain terms, harsh, unjust rule, or the system of government carried out by a tyrant.
How do you pronounce “tyranny”?
“Tyranny” is pronounced TUH-ruh-nee (/ˈtɪəɹəni/ in IPA).
How do you use “tyranny” in a sentence?
Here is “tyranny” used in a sentence: “The revolution finally put an end to decades of tyranny.”
What is another word for “tyranny”?
Words with a similar meaning to “tyranny” include autocracy, despotism, dictatorship, absolute monarchy and tyranthood.
What part of speech is “tyranny”?
“Tyranny” is a noun.
Where does the word “tyranny” come from?
The word “tyranny” comes from Old French. From Old French tyrannie, ultimately from the Greek word for the rule of an absolute ruler or tyrant.
Is “tyranny” a common word?
“Tyranny” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
