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tyrannize

 - 2 dictionary results

tyr⋅an⋅nize

  [tir-uh-nahyz] verb, -nized, -niz⋅ing.
Use tyrannize in a Sentence
–verb (used without object)
1. to exercise absolute power or control, esp. cruelly or oppressively (often fol. 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; < F tyranniser < LL tyrannizāre, equiv. to tyrann(us) tyrant + -izāre -ize

Related forms:
tyr⋅an⋅niz⋅er, noun
tyr⋅an⋅niz⋅ing⋅ly, adverb
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To tyrannize
tyr·an·nize   (tĭr'ə-nīz')   
v.   tyr·an·nized, tyr·an·niz·ing, tyr·an·niz·es

v.   tr.
To treat tyrannically; oppress.
v.   intr.

  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.


[Middle English, from Old French tyranniser, from tyran, tyrant; see tyrant.]
tyr'an·niz'er n., tyr'an·niz'ing·ly adv.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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