Dictionary
tyr•an•ny
Pronunciation: (tir'u-nē), [key]—
n.,
—pl. -nies.
1. arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority.
2. the government or rule of a tyrant or absolute ruler.
3. a state ruled by a tyrant or absolute ruler.
4. oppressive or unjustly severe government on the part of any ruler.
5. undue severity or harshness.
6. a tyrannical act or proceeding.
Random House Unabridged Dictionary, Copyright © 1997, by Random House, Inc., on Infoplease.