tyrant Hear it!

tyrant definition

ty·rant (tī′rənt)

noun

  1. an absolute ruler; specif., in ancient Greece, etc., one who seized sovereignty illegally; usurper
  2. a cruel, oppressive ruler; despot
  3. any person who exercises authority in an oppressive manner; cruel master
  4. a tyrannical influence

Etymology: ME tirant < OFr tiran, tirant (with -t after ending -ant of prp.) < L tyrannus < Gr tyrannos

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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