tyranny

noun

tyr·an·ny | \ ˈtir-ə-nē

plural tyrannies

Definition of tyranny

1 : oppressive power every form of tyranny over the mind of man— Thomas Jefferson especially : oppressive power exerted by government the tyranny of a police state

2a : 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 clock— Dixon Wecter

4 : an oppressive, harsh, or unjust act : a tyrannical act workers who had suffered tyrannies

Synonyms More Example Sentences Learn More About tyranny

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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 One common theme was a fight against dystopian tyranny, Hughes said. — Washington Post, 1 July 2021 Southerners embraced the Declaration of Independence's message of defiance against tyranny. — Hillel Italie, Star Tribune, 30 June 2021 That story includes many great and noble chapters, from the abolition of slavery and Civil Rights Movement to the moon landing and the liberation of Europe from Nazi tyranny. — Tom Cotton, National Review, 30 June 2021 There are a couple of ways to free Bumiller and others from the tyranny of social media arbitration. — Washington Post, 27 June 2021 The tyranny of the résumé has often meant that boardrooms and office demographics are echo chambers. — Brooke Baldwin, Fortune, 12 June 2021 The beauty and the tyranny of reinvention is that no one can tell you what is meaningful to you. — Julie Jungalwala, Forbes, 11 June 2021 The Declaration, by marrying eloquent words to political deeds, created a language in which people of every nation, rank, and color could champion liberty and challenge tyranny and bondage. — The Editors, National Review, 4 July 2021 Ironically, the thoughts of two famous Englishmen, two writers who unforgettably described injustice, revolution and tyranny, could help direct our understanding. — John C. (chuck) Chalberg, Star Tribune, 3 July 2021

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