First Known Use: 14th century
Dictionary
tyrant
noun ty·rant \ˈtī-rənt\
: a ruler who has complete power over a country and who is cruel and unfair
: someone who uses power in a cruel and unfair way
Full Definition of TYRANT
1
a : an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or constitution b : a usurper of sovereignty
2
a : a ruler who exercises absolute power oppressively or brutally b : one resembling an oppressive ruler in the harsh use of authority or power
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Origin of TYRANT
Middle English tyraunt, from Anglo-French tyran, tyrant, from Latin tyrannus, from Greek tyrannos
Related to TYRANT
Other Government and Politics Terms
Rhymes with TYRANT
TYRANT Defined for Kids
tyrant
noun ty·rant \ˈtī-rənt\
Definition of TYRANT for Kids
1
: a ruler who has no legal limits on his or her power
2
: a ruler who exercises total power harshly and cruelly
3
: a person who uses authority or power harshly <My boss is a real tyrant.>
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