Main Entry: ty·ran·ni·cal

Pronunciation: \tə-ˈra-ni-kəl, tī-\

Variant(s): also ty·ran·nic \-nik\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Latin tyrannicus, from Greek tyrannikos, from tyrannos tyrant

Date: 15th century

: being or characteristic of a tyrant or tyranny : despotic <tyrannical rule> <a tyrannical ruler>

— ty·ran·ni·cal·ly \-ni-k(ə-)lē\ adverb

— ty·ran·ni·cal·ness \-kəl-nəs\ noun