tyrannize Meaning, Definition & Usage

verb rule a country as a tyrant
tyrannise; grind down.
verb rule or exercise power over (somebody) in a cruel and autocratic manner
tyrannise; domineer.
- her husband and mother-in-law tyrannize her

Cf. F. tyranniser, Gr. to take the part of tyrants.

imperfect & past participle Tyrannized ; present participle & verbal noun Tyrannizing

To act the tyrant; to exercise arbitrary power; to rule with unjust and oppressive severity; to exercise power others not permitted by law or required by justice, or with a severity not necessary to the ends of justice and government; as, a prince will often tyrannize over his subjects; masters sometimes tyrannize over their servants or apprentices.