tyranny

The definition of tyranny is a government or ruler with total power.

(noun)

An example of tyranny is a country run by a cruel dictator.

Tyranny is defined as severe or harsh treatment.

(noun)

An example of tyranny is someone putting someone in jail for years for a small crime.

See tyranny in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun pl. tyrannies

the office, authority, government, or jurisdiction of a tyrant, or absolute ruler
oppressive and unjust government; despotism
very cruel and unjust use of power or authority
harshness; rigor; severity
a tyrannical act

Origin: ME tirannie < OFr < ML tyrannia < Gr

See tyranny in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. tyr·an·nies

A government in which a single ruler is vested with absolute power.
The office, authority, or jurisdiction of an absolute ruler.
Absolute power, especially when exercised unjustly or cruelly: “I have sworn . . . eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man” (Thomas Jefferson).
a. Use of absolute power.
b. A tyrannical act.
Extreme harshness or severity; rigor.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English tyrannie

Origin: , from Old French

Origin: , from Late Latin tyrannia

Origin: , from Greek turanniā

Origin: , from turannos, tyrant

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