ENGLISH DICTIONARY

Tyrant

Definition, Meaning & Examples

Pronunciation /ˈtaɪɹənt/ · Part of speech noun

Quick meaning: Tyrant is a noun meaning A despot; a ruler who governs unjustly, cruelly, or harshly.

Meaning

A despot; a ruler who governs unjustly, cruelly, or harshly.

(by extension) Any person who abuses the power of position or office to treat others unjustly, cruelly, or harshly.
(by extension) A villain; a person or thing who uses strength or violence to treat others unjustly, cruelly, or harshly.
The tyrant birds, members of the family Tyrannidae, which often fight or drive off other birds which approach their nests.
(uncommon) Tyrannical, tyrannous; like, characteristic of, or in the manner of a tyrant.
(intransitive, obsolete) To act like a tyrant; to be tyrannical.
(obsolete) Any monarch or governor.
(historical, Ancient Greece) A usurper; one who gains power and rules extralegally, distinguished from kings elevated by election or succession.

Cassius... set tyrants over all Syria.

To proue him Tyrant, this reason may suffice, That Henry liueth still.

I am the Sonne of Marcus Cato, hoe. A Foe to Tyrants, and my Countries Friend.

Tyrannes...be but Gods scourges which he will cast into the fyre when he hath done with them.

Depending on context, synonyms include archon, basileus, aisymnetes, autocrat, dictator, despot.

Related dictionary entries include autocrat, despot, tyranny, dictator, tyrannical, tyrannous.

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