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