Tyrant

/ˈtaɪrənt/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A cruel and oppressive ruler.

The citizens rose up against the tyrant who had ruled their land with an iron fist.

A person who uses power unjustly or oppressively.

He was considered a tyrant in his own home, ruling over his family with fear.

A person exercising power or control in a harsh or arbitrary way.

The boss acted like a tyrant, demanding unreasonable hours from his employees.

Middle English, from Latin 'tyrannus', from Greek 'tyrannos'.

benevolent dictator

A ruler who wields absolute power but exercises it for the benefit of the people.

tyranny of the majority

When a majority uses its power to oppress a minority.

political tyrant

A leader who rules oppressively and without regard for the law or the rights of the people.

oppression

The exercise of authority or power in a burdensome, cruel, or unjust manner.

despotism

The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.

autocracy

A system of government by one person with absolute power.

Bossy leader

My manager is a real tyrant when it comes to deadlines.

Control freak

She can be a tyrant in her relationships, always wanting things her way.