Definition

1. Noun:
   • Cruel and oppressive government or rule: A system where a single ruler or a small group exercises absolute power, often using force, fear, and unjust laws to control people.
   • Cruel, harsh, and unfair use of power or authority: This meaning extends beyond government to describe any situation where power is used in a severely oppressive way.

Usage

• The word "tyranny" is typically used as a non-count noun to describe the general concept or system of oppressive rule.
• It can also be used as a count noun when referring to a specific instance or period of such rule (e.g., "the tyrannies of history").
• It often carries a strong negative connotation and is used in political, historical, and social contexts.

Examples

• The people rebelled against the tyranny of the king.
• She wrote a book about escaping the tyranny of a controlling regime.
• For many, the constant surveillance felt like a form of psychological tyranny.

Advanced Usage

• "The tyranny of the majority": A phrase describing a situation in democratic systems where the majority's decisions can oppress or unfairly disregard the rights of a minority.
  • The founders of the constitution feared the potential tyranny of the majority.
• "Tyranny of distance": A phrase (originally Australian) describing the difficulties and isolation caused by vast geographical remoteness.
  • Early settlers struggled against the tyranny of distance.

Variants and Related Words

• Tyrant (n): A cruel and oppressive ruler.
  • The tyrant was overthrown by a popular uprising.
• Tyrannical (adj): Characteristic of a tyrant; oppressive and unjust.
  • He was known for his tyrannical management style.
• Tyrannize (v): To rule or treat someone with cruel and unjust power.
  • The bully sought to tyrannize the younger students.

Synonyms

• Despotism: The exercise of absolute power, especially in a cruel and oppressive way.
• Dictatorship: Government by a dictator with absolute power.
• Oppression: Prolonged cruel or unjust treatment or control.
• Autocracy: A system of government by one person with absolute power.

Antonyms

• Democracy: A system of government by the whole population, typically through elected representatives.
• Freedom: The power or right to act, speak, or think without hindrance.
• Liberty: The state of being free within society from oppressive restrictions.

Idioms and Phrases

• "Tyranny of the clock": The oppressive feeling of being constantly controlled or stressed by time and schedules.
  • Modern office workers often complain about the tyranny of the clock.

Noun

1. dominance through threat of punishment and violence
2. a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)