tyrannize

American  

[tir-uh-nahyz] / ˈtɪr əˌnaɪz /

especially British, tyrannise

verb (used without object)

tyrannized, tyrannizing

1. to exercise absolute power or control, especially cruelly or oppressively (often followed byover ).

2. to govern despotically, cruelly, or oppressively.

3. to govern or reign as a tyrant.

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verb (used with object)

tyrannized, tyrannizing

1. to rule or govern tyrannically; treat oppressively.

tyrannize British  

/ ˈtɪrəˌnaɪz /

verb

1. to rule or exercise power (over) in a cruel or oppressive manner

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Other Word Forms

• outtyrannize verb (used with object)
• tyrannizer noun
• tyrannizingly adverb
• untyrannized adjective

Etymology

Origin of tyrannize

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

Example Sentences

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 • Jul. 4, 2022

In the 18th century, colonists speculated that a British statesman - John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, was a behind a cabal to tyrannize Americans.

From Washington Times • Feb. 15, 2019

In the 18th century, colonists speculated that a British statesman — John Stuart, 3rd Earl of Bute, was a behind a cabal to tyrannize Americans.

From Seattle Times • Feb. 14, 2019

“Respect on its own is cold and inert, insufficient to overcome the bad tendencies that lead human beings to tyrannize over one another,” she wrote.

From The New Yorker • Jul. 18, 2016

It's not my purpose to use your poverty and your need for my money as a force by which to tyrannize over you.

From Nancy of Paradise Cottage by Watkins, Shirley