tyranny

noun

tyr·​an·​ny ˈtir-ə-nē How to pronounce tyranny (audio)
plural tyrannies
1
: oppressive power
every form of tyranny over the mind of manThomas Jefferson
especially : oppressive power exerted by government
the tyranny of a police state
2
a
: 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 clockDixon Wecter
4
: an oppressive, harsh, or unjust act : a tyrannical act
workers who had suffered tyrannies

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 To free yourself from the tyranny of too many choices, add your locality or organism of interest to your search term (ie, Invasive Maryland Plants) to winnow things down. Bob Hirshon, Discover Magazine, 2 Mar. 2024 Taking a contemporary view of this ferocious tale of power and loyalty, these infamous characters face the consequences of betrayal and the brutal nature of tyranny. Details: 7:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday, Cincinnati Shakespeare Co., 1195 Elm St., Over-the-Rhine. Luann Gibbs, The Enquirer, 28 Feb. 2024 They are trapped in poverty by their culture, which is a form of tyranny. Wanjiru Njoya, Orange County Register, 13 Feb. 2024 Sure, Andrew Jackson liberated Americans from foreign tyranny, but his family owned slaves back in Tennessee. Neal B. Freeman, National Review, 27 Feb. 2024 This senator who a growing number of Americans believed might eliminate the tyranny of one-party rule. Elliot Ackerman, WIRED, 5 Feb. 2024 The real tyranny is being subjected to the whims of the most apparently urgent task, or of the loudest request in your in-box. Cal Newport, The New Yorker, 26 Jan. 2024 As Snowman sees it, the lighthouse was an underappreciated hero of the Revolutionary War—a locus of resistance against British tyranny. Dorothy Wickenden, The New Yorker, 30 Oct. 2023 The underlying theory of the Constitution is that governments are necessary because mankind is inherently, immutably flawed; power must be dispersed and competitive because its accumulation in too few hands is the path to tyranny. Andrew C. McCarthy, National Review, 20 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'tyranny.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Middle English tyrannie, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin tyrannia, from Latin tyrannus tyrant

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

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

Dictionary Entries Near tyranny

Cite this Entry

“Tyranny.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tyranny. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

tyranny

noun
tyr·​an·​ny ˈtir-ə-nē How to pronounce tyranny (audio)
plural tyrannies
1
: a government in which all power is in the hands of a single ruler
2
: harsh, cruel, and severe government or conduct
3
: a tyrannical act

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