tyrant

noun

ty·​rant ˈtī-rənt 

1

a

: an absolute ruler unrestrained by law or constitution

b

: a usurper of sovereignty

2

a

: a ruler who exercises absolute power oppressively or brutally

b

: one resembling an oppressive ruler in the harsh use of authority or power

a tyrant of a boss

Public opinion is a weak tyrant compared with our own private opinion.

—Henry David Thoreau

Did you know?

What makes someone a tyrant?

A glance at the comments posted in response to our definition of tyrant illustrate two things: the word has a fairly wide spectrum of meaning, and many political rulers of late (regardless of party and action) are thought by some to merit this description. The word is often now found used as a generalized term of reproach ("he was a real tyrant in the kitchen"), and also with more specific denotation ("the tyrant suspended the country’s judicial code"). The definitions we give for words match, as best as possible, the manner in which these words are used. We cannot offer judgment on whether or not any specific individual is or is not a tyrant.

Synonyms of tyrant

• dictator

Examples of tyrant in a Sentence

Our boss is a real tyrant.

the people universally feared the tyrant, who was notorious for his frequent use of torture

Recent Examples on the Web

When a tyrant falls, we may be tempted to imagine a final moment of tragic self-awareness—a personal reckoning, like Oedipus blinding himself, or Macbeth raging on the heath. —Robert F. Worth, The Atlantic, 6 Feb. 2026

Ruling like a petty tyrant from the company’s headquarters in lower Manhattan, Coplan isn’t an easy boss to work with, according to new reporting by the Wall Street Journal. —Joe Wilkins Published Feb 4, Futurism, 4 Feb. 2026

Feingold saw gaps in the legislation that a would-be tyrant could easily exploit. —Ta-Nehisi Coates, Vanity Fair, 26 Jan. 2026

Dignity destroyed Tacitus was especially good at describing the effect the tyrant has on the people around him. —David Brooks, Mercury News, 24 Jan. 2026

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tyraunt, from Anglo-French tyran, tyrant, from Latin tyrannus, from Greek tyrannos

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Phrases Containing tyrant

• tyrant flycatcher

Kids Definition

tyrant

noun

ty·​rant ˈtī-rənt 

1

: a ruler who has no legal limits on his or her power by law or constitution

2

a

: a ruler who exercises total power harshly or cruelly

b

: a person who uses authority or power harshly