Definition of tyranny

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< tyrannous

tyrant >

tyr·an·ny    (tr-n) KEY 

NOUN:
pl. tyr·an·nies

1. A government in which a single ruler is vested with absolute power.
2. The office, authority, or jurisdiction of an absolute ruler.
3. Absolute power, especially when exercised unjustly or cruelly: "I have sworn . . . eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man" (Thomas Jefferson).
4. 1. Use of absolute power.
   2. A tyrannical act.
5. Extreme harshness or severity; rigor.

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English tyrannie, from Old French, from Late Latin tyrannia, from Greek turanni, from turannos, tyrant