tyrannize

(tirə nīz′)

intransitive verb tyrannized, tyrannizing

  1. to govern as a tyrant; rule with absolute power
  2. to govern or use authority harshly or cruelly; be oppressive

Origin: MFr tyranniser < ML tyrannizare

transitive verb

to treat tyrannically; oppress

Related Forms:

See tyrannize in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb tyr·an·nized, tyr·an·niz·ing, tyr·an·niz·es
verb, transitive
To treat tyrannically; oppress.
verb, intransitive
  1. To exercise absolute power: “So it is the nature of such persons to insult and tyrannize over little people” (Henry Fielding).
  2. To rule as a tyrant.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English

Origin: , from Old French tyranniser

Origin: , from tyran, tyrant; see tyrant

.

Related Forms:

  • tyrˈan·nizˌer noun
  • tyrˈan·nizˌing·ly adverb

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