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tyrant

noun

ty·​rant ˈtī-rənt How to pronounce tyrant (audio)
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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What makes someone a tyrant?

A glance at the comments posted in response to our definition of tyrant illustrate two things: the word has a fairly wide spectrum of meaning, and many political rulers of late (regardless of party and action) are thought by some to merit this description. The word is often now found used as a generalized term of reproach ("he was a real tyrant in the kitchen"), and also with more specific denotation ("the tyrant suspended the country’s judicial code"). The definitions we give for words match, as best as possible, the manner in which these words are used. We cannot offer judgment on whether or not any specific individual is or is not a tyrant.

Examples of tyrant in a Sentence

Our boss is a real tyrant. the people universally feared the tyrant, who was notorious for his frequent use of torture
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Hope: Ultimately, the protests suggest the possibility that, eventually, an overwhelming majority of Palestinians will never again allow themselves to be ruled by revanchist tyrants of any shade. Bret Stephens, Mercury News, 4 Apr. 2025 Synopsis: Before kings and empires feared him, a tyrant sought to erase him. Jill Goldsmith, Deadline, 2 Apr. 2025 JoAnn Lee Frank, Clearwater ‘Unelected judicial tyrants’ Rise up, Americans. Sun Sentinel Editorial Board, Sun Sentinel, 31 Mar. 2025 One standout was Helena Bonham Carter’s Red Queen running around the palace like a childish tyrant. Bill Desowitz, IndieWire, 26 Mar. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tyrant

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tyraunt, from Anglo-French tyran, tyrant, from Latin tyrannus, from Greek tyrannos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of tyrant was in the 14th century

Cite this Entry

“Tyrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrant. Accessed 9 Apr. 2025.

Kids Definition

tyrant

noun
ty·​rant ˈtī-rənt How to pronounce tyrant (audio)
1
: a ruler who has no legal limits on his or her power by law or constitution
2
a
: a ruler who exercises total power harshly or cruelly
b
: a person who uses authority or power harshly

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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