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tyranny

tyranny [ tírrəni ] (plural tyrannies)

noun

Definition:

1. cruel use of power: cruelty and injustice in the exercise of power or authority over others

2. oppressive government: oppressive government by one or more people who exercise absolute power cruelly and unjustly

3. state ruled by tyrant: a country or state under the power of an oppressive ruler

4. cruel act: a cruel or oppressive act, especially one committed by a person wielding great power

5. oppressive effect: a controlling influence over somebody's life or actions that is felt to be harsh and unrelenting

glad to be free for a while from the tyranny of books and book learning

[14th century. Via French< late Latin tyrannia< Latin tyrannus 'tyrant']

tyrannous adjective

Cultural Note


	The Tyranny of Distance, a book (1966) by Australian writer Geoffrey Blainey. A historical account of the way in which distance both within Australia and between Australia and the United Kingdom influenced the formation of the nation. The phrase is now part of the Australian English language.

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