tyrannize

verb

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tyr·an·nize | \ ˈtir-ə-ˌnīz

tyrannized; tyrannizing

Definition of tyrannize

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

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Examples of tyrannize in a Sentence

a government that tyrannizes its own people

Recent Examples on the Web In the process, these majority ethnic coalitions tyrannize and marginalize other groups, particularly those that are not members of the coalition. — John Mukum Mbaku, Washington Examiner, "Catastrophe in the Horn of Africa," 18 Mar. 2021 In Portsmouth, Virginia, cops have been systematically using their state power to tyrannize political enemies. — Alex Pareene, The New Republic, "The Police Are Pretty Sure They’re Going to Get Away With It," 28 Aug. 2020 In such societies, counters Madison, a majority will tyrannize the minority. — Corey Robin, The New York Review of Books, "What People Power Looks Like in a Pandemic Democracy," 13 Apr. 2020

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'tyrannize.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.