tyranny

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   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.

   He that with ſhepheards and a litle ſpoyle, Durſt in diſdaine of wrong and tyrannie, Defend his freedome gainſt a Monarchie: What will he doe ſupported by a king?

2. 2
   noun

   a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)

3. 3
   noun

   dominance through threat of punishment and violence

4. 4
   noun

   A government in which a single ruler (a tyrant) has absolute power, or this system of government; especially, one that acts cruelly and unjustly.

5. 5
   noun

   The office or jurisdiction of an absolute ruler.

6. 6
   noun

   Absolute power, or its use.

7. 7
   noun

   Extreme severity or rigour.

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English tirannye, from Old French tyrannie, from Medieval Latin tyrannia, tyrania, from Ancient Greek τυραννία (turannía, “tyranny”), from τύραννος (túrannos, “lord, master, sovereign, tyrant”).