Tyrannical
/tɪˈræn.ɪ.kəl/noun
Exercising power in a cruel, oppressive, or absolute way.
Did you know?The word ultimately traces back to Greek tyrannos, a term for a ruler whose authority was seen as illegitimate or absolute, and it later spawned Latin and English words for oppressive rule.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
τύραννος (týrannos)
“an absolute ruler, especially one who ruled without lawful right”
Late Latin
Latin
tyrannicus
“pertaining to a tyrant; despotic”
Old French
Old French
tyrannique
“tyrannical, despotic”
Middle English
English
tyrannical
“despotic, overbearing”
Modern English
English
tyrannical
“exercising power in a cruel or oppressive way”
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