Tyrannize

  • 1Tyrannize — Tyr an*nize (t[i^]r an*n[imac]z), v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Tyrannized} (t[i^]r an*n[imac]zd); p. pr. & vb. n. {Tyrannizing} (t[i^]r an*n[imac] z[i^]ng).] [Cf. F. tyranniser, Gr. tyranni zein to take the part of tyrants.] To act the tyrant; to… …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 2tyrannize — meaning ‘to behave like a tyrant (towards)’ is used both transitively (i.e. with an object) and intransitively followed by over. Fowler (1926) rejected the transitive use but it is now the more common pattern: (transitive) • We can use it to… …

    Modern English usage

  • 3Tyrannize — Tyr an*nize, v. t. To subject to arbitrary, oppressive, or tyrannical treatment; to oppress. [1913 Webster] …

    The Collaborative International Dictionary of English

  • 4tyrannize — index bait (harass), harass, mishandle (maltreat), mistreat, tax (overwork) Burton s Legal Thesaurus …

    Law dictionary

  • 5tyrannize — late 15c., from M.Fr. tyranniser (14c.), from tyrannie (see TYRANNY (Cf. tyranny)). Related: Tyrannized; tyrannizing …

    Etymology dictionary

  • 6tyrannize — (Amer.) tyr·an·nize || tɪrÉ™naɪz v. rule in a despotic manner, govern oppressively; behave like a tyrant (also tyrannise) …

    English contemporary dictionary

  • 7tyrannize — (also tyrannise) ► VERB ▪ rule or treat despotically or cruelly …

    English terms dictionary

  • 8tyrannize — [tir′ə nīz΄] vi. tyrannized, tyrannizing [MFr tyranniser < ML tyrannizare] 1. to govern as a tyrant; rule with absolute power 2. to govern or use authority harshly or cruelly; be oppressive vt. to treat tyrannically; oppress tyrannizer n …

    English World dictionary

  • 9tyrannize — UK [ˈtɪrənaɪz] / US [ˈtɪrəˌnaɪz] verb [transitive] Word forms tyrannize : present tense I/you/we/they tyrannize he/she/it tyrannizes present participle tyrannizing past tense tyrannized past participle tyrannized to use your power to treat people …

    English dictionary

  • 10tyrannize — verb ( nized; nizing) Date: 15th century intransitive verb to exercise arbitrary oppressive power or severity < some ways the living tyrannize over the dying Thomas Powers > transitive verb to treat tyrannically ; oppress < a regime that&#8230; …

    New Collegiate Dictionary