tyranny

noun

tyr·​an·​ny ˈtir-ə-nē How to pronounce tyranny (audio)
plural tyrannies
1
: oppressive power
every form of tyranny over the mind of manThomas Jefferson
especially : oppressive power exerted by government
the tyranny of a police state
2
a
: a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler
especially : one characteristic of an ancient Greek city-state
b
: the office, authority, and administration of a tyrant
3
: a rigorous condition imposed by some outside agency or force
living under the tyranny of the clockDixon Wecter
4
: an oppressive, harsh, or unjust act : a tyrannical act
workers who had suffered tyrannies

Examples of tyranny in a Sentence

Cars freed Americans, already infamous for their mobility, from the tyranny of train schedules. Cynthia Crossen, Wall Street Journal, 7 May 2003
Berlin remains a central attraction, and the evanescence of tyranny is a highlight of the visit. William F. Buckley, Jr., National Review, 27 Sept. 1999
For in creating a cultural orthodoxy designed to combat racism, urban disorder, and a legacy of oppression, we subject ourselves to delusional dogma, the tyranny of conformity, and language that rings of fascist imagery. Gerald Early, Harper's, January 1997
The refugees were fleeing tyranny. He was dedicated to ending the tyranny of slavery. a nation ruled by tyranny She felt lost in the bureaucratic tyrannies of the university system. The king sought an absolute tyranny over the colonies.
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.
Every other protection against tyranny and political oppression — that is, every aspect of a stable democratic system — suffers a possibly mortal blow if the basic tenets of an independent judiciary and the adversarial advocacy of lawyers are abandoned or lost. Michael McAuliffe, Sun Sentinel, 3 Apr. 2025 Separated by 250 years, these two actions both supposedly raise the question: Just how much tyranny ... Rich Lowry, National Review, 25 Mar. 2025 As this theory went, an unbalanced government would descend into tyranny with a too-powerful monarch; oligarchy under a dominant aristocratic class; or anarchy with the people out of control. Carla Gardina Pestana, The Conversation, 20 Mar. 2025 American Values, Global Impact The United States has long been characterized by its willingness to provide refuge to those escaping tyranny. Andy J. Semotiuk, Forbes.com, 14 Apr. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tyranny

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tyrannie, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin tyrannia, from Latin tyrannus tyrant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Cite this Entry

“Tyranny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyranny. Accessed 1 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

tyranny

noun
tyr·​an·​ny ˈtir-ə-nē How to pronounce tyranny (audio)
plural tyrannies
1
: a government in which all power is in the hands of a single ruler
2
: harsh, cruel, and severe government or conduct
3
: a tyrannical act

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