Main Entry:

tyr·an·nize

Pronunciation:

\ˈtir-ə-ˌnīz\

Function:

verb

Inflected Form(s):

tyr·an·nized; tyr·an·niz·ing

Date:

15th century

intransitive verb : to exercise arbitrary oppressive power or severity <some ways the living tyrannize over the dying — Thomas Powers> transitive verb : to treat tyrannically : oppress <a regime that tyrannizes its citizens>

— tyr·an·niz·er noun