tyrannize

[ tir-uh-nahyz ]

verb (used without object)

, tyr·an·nized, tyr·an·niz·ing.

1. to exercise absolute power or control, especially cruelly or oppressively (often followed by over ).
2. to govern despotically, cruelly, or oppressively.
3. to govern or reign as a tyrant.

verb (used with object)

, tyr·an·nized, tyr·an·niz·ing.

1. to rule or govern tyrannically; treat oppressively.

tyrannize

/ ˈtɪrəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. whenintr, often foll by over to rule or exercise power (over) in a cruel or oppressive manner

Derived Forms

• ˈtyranˌnizer, noun

Other Words From

• tyran·nizer noun
• tyran·nizing·ly adverb
• outtyran·nize verb (used with object) outtyrannized outtyrannizing
• un·tyran·nized adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of tyrannize¹

1485–95; < French tyranniser < Late Latin tyrannizāre, equivalent to tyrann ( us ) tyrant + -izāre -ize

Example Sentences

“Every American should shudder at the power of the government to target and tyrannize American citizens,” said Rep. Chip Reid, a Texas Republican who was among the GOP lawmakers who called for creating the new panel.

From Washington Times

“The children now love luxury; they have bad manners, contempt for authority; they show disrespect for elders and love chatter in place of exercise. Children are now tyrants, not the servants of their households. They no longer rise when elders enter the room. They contradict their parents, chatter before company … and tyrannize their teachers.”

From Seattle Times

Only to tyrannize behind the scenes and invariably whack others for his mistakes — coaches, general managers, executives by the score finding themselves slurred and slimed and used as human shields.

From Washington Post

The larger the republic, the larger a majority faction must be to tyrannize minority factions.

From Washington Times

Instead of a singular poor class and singular wealthy class, the disunity that stems from people possessing different types and degrees of property is precisely what prevents a majority from forming and using their voting power to tyrannize the few.

From Washington Times