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

Functional adults can dismiss Ayn Rand and her petty tyrannizing over acolytes, her psychodramatic love affair with cult deputy Nathaniel Branden, and her continuing ability to inspire teenagers with a Nietzsche complex.

From Salon

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

Moscow, however, has used the language issue to paint the Kyiv government as ethnocentric “fascists” bent on tyrannizing Ukraine’s Russian-speaking population.

From Washington Post

There was consolation in our solidarity — in objecting to those who segregated some of us and tyrannized the rest.

From Washington Post