tyrant

noun

ty·​rant ˈtī-rənt How to pronounce tyrant (audio)
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

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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.

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
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.
So, the politicians must do more than push back against the White House tyrant. Laura Washington, Chicago Tribune, 3 Sep. 2025 And while the band's frontman Freddie Mercury only made it into his 40s, the song's question continues to haunt people—especially aging tyrants who fear that the icy hand of death is upon their shoulder and want far more time to ensure both national and personal glory. Nate Anderson, ArsTechnica, 3 Sep. 2025 The way Law plays him, Putin is something almost scarier than a monster — a rational tyrant, a man to mess with, or even disagree with, at your peril. Owen Gleiberman, Variety, 31 Aug. 2025 Now a protector of animals and a champion of the downtrodden, Sonja runs afoul of the tyrant Draygan (Robert Sheehan) and ends up enslaved alongside other gladiators for sport, ultimately leading a revolt alongside her new compatriots. Brian Truitt, USA Today, 27 Aug. 2025 See All Example Sentences for tyrant

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

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

Cite this Entry

“Tyrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyrant. Accessed 9 Sep. 2025.

Kids Definition

tyrant

noun
ty·​rant ˈtī-rənt How to pronounce tyrant (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on tyrant

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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