n.
 (pl. tyrannies)
   - cruel and oppressive government or rule. 
▸a state under such rule.
 - cruel and arbitrary exercise of power or control.
 - (especially in ancient Greece) rule by a tyrant.
 
 
  Derivative
  
    - tyrannical adj.
  - tyrannically adv.
  - tyrannize
 or tyrannise v.  - tyrannous adj.
  - tyrannously adv.
 
   
  Etymology
  ME: from OFr. tyrannie, from late L. tyrannia, from L. turannus (see tyrant).