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tyrant

 - 2 dictionary results

ty⋅rant

[tahy-ruhnt]
–noun
1. a sovereign or other ruler who uses power oppressively or unjustly.
2. any person in a position of authority who exercises power oppressively or despotically.
3. a tyrannical or compulsory influence.
4. an absolute ruler, esp. one in ancient Greece or Sicily.

Origin:
1250–1300; ME tirant < OF < L tyrannus < Gk týrannos


1. despot, autocrat, dictator.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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ty·rant   (tī'rənt)   
n.  
  1. An absolute ruler who governs without restrictions.

  2. A ruler who exercises power in a harsh, cruel manner.

  3. An oppressive, harsh, arbitrary person.


[Middle English, from Old French, alteration of tyran, from Latin tyrannus, from Greek turannos.]
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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