Tyrannize

Part of speech: verb

Pronunciation: /ˈtɪɹ.ən.aɪz/

Definitions

1. To exert oppressive control and authority over individuals or groups, ensuring compliance through intimidation and fear tactics
2. To govern or dominate someone in a cruel and unjust manner
3. To exercise harsh and unjust control over others to enforce submission

Etymology: The verb "tyrannize" is a fairly plain formation: it takes the noun "tyranny" and adds the suffix "-ize," which turns a noun into a verb meaning "to act in the manner of" or "to subject to" something. The noun itself came into English from Middle French "tyrannie," which in turn traces back to Greek "turannos," a word that originally meant a sole ruler who had seized power outside the normal constitutional order, without any necessarily negative connotation. The sense of cruelty and oppression only settled in later, as such rulers so often abused their position. The verb followed the same path through French. It was borrowed from Middle French "tyranniser," a verb built on the same root, so English received the idea of acting as a tyrant ready-made from across the Channel. The core notion has stayed remarkably steady: to rule through fear, intimidation and force rather than through legitimate authority.

Synonyms: oppress, subjugate

Antonyms: liberate, free