Subscriber login


Forgot your password?

Library card login

Other

tyrannical

Syllabification: (ty·ran·ni·cal)
Pronunciation: /təˈranikəl/
Translate tyrannical | into German | into Italian | into Spanish
Definition of tyrannical

adjective

  • exercising power in a cruel or arbitrary way:her father was portrayed as tyrannical and unloving
  • characteristic of tyranny; oppressive and controlling:a momentary quieting of her tyrannical appetite

Derivatives

tyrannically

Pronunciation: /-ik(ə)lē/
adverb

Origin:

mid 16th century: from Old French tyrannique, via Latin from Greek turannikos, from turannos (see tyrant)

tyrannical in other Oxford dictionaries

Definition of tyrannical in the British & World English dictionary
  |  Cite
Oxford Dictionaries Pro

For Oxford's best resources for writers, plus thesaurus, audio, and 1.9m examples.

Shop for an Oxford dictionary

Find the perfect Oxford dictionary for you in our online shop.
SHOP NOW ►

Word of the day

cur

/ kəː /
noun
an aggressive or unkempt dog …