tyranny
/ˈtərəni/
Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.
Also seen as: tyrannies
Sense 1
Meaning · English
A government in which a single ruler (a tyrant) has absolute power, or this system of government; especially, one that acts cruelly and unjustly.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Sense 2
Meaning · English
The office or jurisdiction of an absolute ruler.
Noun
Sources & notes
Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).
Common questions
What does “tyranny” mean?
A government in which a single ruler (a tyrant) has absolute power, or this system of government; especially, one that acts cruelly and unjustly.
Is “tyranny” formal or informal?
No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.