Tyranny
/ˈtɪr.ə.ni/noun
Cruel and oppressive government or rule.
Did you know?The term 'tyranny' originally referred to a form of absolute rule in ancient Greece, often associated with arbitrary and oppressive governance by a single ruler.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
τυραννία (tyrannía)
“Rule by a tyrant, typically seen as oppressive and unjust.”
Late Latin
Latin
tyrannia
“The state of being a tyrant, often with a sense of cruelty.”
Old French
Old French
tyrannie
“A system of oppressive rule, derived from the Latin.”
14th Century
Middle English
tirannye
“The state or condition of being governed by a tyrant; oppressive rule.”
Modern English
English
tyranny
“Cruel and oppressive government or rule, retaining its negative connotations.”
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