TYRANNIZE
Tyr"an*nize, v. t.
Defn: To subject to arbitrary, oppressive, or tyrannical treatment; to oppress.
TYRANNOUS
Tyr"an*nous, a.
Defn: Tyrannical; arbitrary; unjustly severe; despotic. Sir P.
Sidney.
— Tyr"an*nous*ly, adv.
TYRANNY Tyr"an*ny, n. Etym: [OE. tirannye, OF. tirannie, F. tyrannie; cf. It. tirannia; Gr. tyrannis. See Tyrant.]
1. The government or authority of a tyrant; a country governed by an absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government. "Sir," would he [Seneca] say, "an emperor mote need Be virtuous and hate tyranny." Chaucer.
2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a schoolmaster.
3. Severity; rigor; inclemency. The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature to endure. Shak.
TYRANT Tyr"ant, n. Etym: [OE. tirant, tiraunt, tyraunt, OF. tiran, tirant (probably from confusion with the p. pr. of verbs), F. tyran, L. tyrannus, Gr.
1. An absolute ruler; a sovereign unrestrained by law or constitution; a usurper of sovereignty.