The word is often now found used as a generalized term of reproach ("he was a real tyrant in the kitchen"), and also with more specific denotation ("the tyrant suspended the country’s judicial code").
A tyrant (from Ancient Greek τύραννος (túrannos) 'absolute ruler'), in the modern English usage of the word, is an absolute ruler who is unrestrained by law, or one who has usurped a legitimate ruler's sovereignty.
TYRANT definition: a sovereign or other ruler who uses power oppressively or unjustly. See examples of tyrant used in a sentence.
An extremely oppressive, unjust, or cruel ruler. 2. An absolute ruler who governs without restrictions, especially one who seized power illegally. 3. An oppressive, harsh, arbitrary person: My boss is a tyrant.
Definition of tyrant noun in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.
TYRANT definition: 1. a ruler who has unlimited power over other people, and uses it unfairly and cruelly: 2. a ruler…. Learn more.
tyrant (third-person singular simple present tyrants, present participle tyranting, simple past and past participle tyranted) (intransitive, obsolete) To act like a tyrant; to be tyrannical.
In everyday usage, a "tyrant" describes anyone who exercises power or control in a harsh, unreasonable, or arbitrary way. This might include domineering bosses, controlling family members, or anyone who imposes their will on others through intimidation or force.
She was a tyrant around anyone else, but the people remembered her small kindnesses and were probably genuinely sorry to see her go.