1. a ruler who uses power in a cruel and unfair way
2. a person who treats others harshly and demands complete obedience
3. an absolute ruler in ancient Greece
Usage: historical

Examples

• The tyrant ruled the country with an iron fist for decades.
• History books are filled with stories of cruel tyrants.
• My boss is such a tyrant – he never listens to anyone’s ideas.
• The ancient Greek tyrant seized power through military force.
• She called her strict father a tyrant when he wouldn’t let her go out.
• The revolution overthrew the tyrant and established a democracy.
• Many tyrants throughout history have suppressed freedom of speech.