tyr·an·nize

[tir-uh-nahyz] verb, tyr·an·nized, tyr·an·niz·ing.
verb (used without object)
1.
to exercise absolute power or control, especially cruelly or oppressively (often followed by over ).
2.
to govern despotically, cruelly, or oppressively.
3.
to govern or reign as a tyrant.
verb (used with object)
4.
to rule or govern tyrannically; treat oppressively.
Also, especially British, tyr·an·nise.

Origin:
1485–95; < French tyranniser < Late Latin tyrannizāre, equivalent to tyrann(us) tyrant + -izāre -ize

Related forms
tyr·an·niz·er, noun
tyr·an·niz·ing·ly, adverb
out·tyr·an·nize, verb (used with object), out·tyr·an·nized, out·tyr·an·niz·ing.
un·tyr·an·nized, adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2013.
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World English Dictionary
tyrannize or tyrannise (ˈtɪrəˌnaɪz) [Click for IPA pronunciation guide]
 
—vb (when intr, often foll by over)
to rule or exercise power (over) in a cruel or oppressive manner
 
tyrannise or tyrannise
 
—vb
 
'tyrannizer or tyrannise
 
—n
 
'tyranniser or tyrannise
 
—n

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 10th Edition
2009 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009
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Example sentences
They need to know how governments sometimes oppress their own citizens and tyrannize other peoples.
But the ability to be armed is basically a check on government tendency to tyrannize.
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