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Tyranny - Dictionary Definition and Overview |
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Tyranny : (noun)
1: a form of government in which the ruler is an absolute
dictator (not restricted by a constitution or laws or
opposition etc.) [syn: dictatorship, absolutism, authoritarianism,
Caesarism, despotism, monocracy, one-man rule,
shogunate, Stalinism, totalitarianism]
2: dominance through threat of punishment and violence [syn: absolutism,
despotism]
Based on WordNet 2.0
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Tyranny : \Tyr"an*ny\, n. [OE. tirannye, OF. tirannie, F.
tyrannie; cf. It. tirannia; Gr. ?, ?, L. tyrannis. See
Tyrant.]
1. The government or authority of a tyrant; a country
governed by an absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or
despotic exercise of power; exercise of power over
subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or
justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government.
``Sir,'' would he [Seneca] say, ``an emperor mote
need Be virtuous and hate tyranny.'' --Chaucer.
2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a
schoolmaster.
3. Severity; rigor; inclemency.
The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature
to endure. --Shak.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary
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TYRANNY, government. The violation of those laws which regulate the division
and the exercises of the sovereign power of the state. It is a violation of
its constitution.
Based on Webster's Revised Unabridged Dictionary (1913)
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