Definitions for: Tyranny

[n] a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)
[n] dominance through threat of punishment and violence

Webster (1913) Definition: Tyr"an*ny, n. [OE. tirannye, OF. tirannie, F.
tyrannie; cf. It. tirannia; Gr. ?, ?, L. tyrannis. See
Tyrant.]
1. The government or authority of a tyrant; a country
governed by an absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or
despotic exercise of power; exercise of power over
subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or
justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government.

``Sir,'' would he [Seneca] say, ``an emperor mote
need Be virtuous and hate tyranny.'' --Chaucer.

2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a
schoolmaster.

3. Severity; rigor; inclemency.

The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature
to endure. --Shak.

Synonyms: absolutism, absolutism, authoritarianism, Caesarism, despotism, despotism, dictatorship, monocracy, one-man rule, shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism

See Also: ascendance, ascendancy, ascendence, ascendency, autarchy, autocracy, control, dominance, police state

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