tyranny
/'tirəni/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- 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
- dominance through threat of punishment and violence
- a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or opposition etc.)