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tyranny

Tyranny (noun) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

noun

IPA:

/ˈtɪr(ə)ni/

What does tyranny mean?

The oppressive and unjust exercise of power, often wielded by a single individual or a small group, over a population.
"Under the guise of progress, they ushered in an age of digital tyranny."

Detailed Meaning of Tyranny

It involves the abuse of power to suppress the rights, freedoms, and well-being of the governed population, typically with little or no regard for their consent or interests. Tyranny may manifest in various forms, such as political, social, or economic oppression, and it can lead to widespread suffering, discrimination, and the denial of basic human rights. Throughout history, movements for democracy and human rights have often emerged as a response to the oppressive forces of tyranny, seeking to replace arbitrary rule with systems that ensure fairness, justice, and the protection of individual liberties.

Example Sentences for Tyranny

1. The tyranny of a ruthless dictator led to widespread suffering and fear.
2. Citizens rose up to overthrow the tyranny that had plagued their land.
3. Under the cloak of tyranny, freedoms were slowly eroded.
4. The people yearned for liberation from the shackles of tyranny.
5. Resistance movements formed to combat the tyranny of the regime.
6. The tyranny of the corrupt elites left the nation impoverished.

Origin and Etymology of Tyranny

The noun 'tyranny' finds its etymological origins in ancient Greece, particularly in the word 'tyrannos.' In ancient Greek, a 'tyrannos' referred to a ruler who had gained power through illegitimate means or by usurping authority. The term didn't inherently carry a negative connotation at its inception; rather, it described any ruler who was not of a hereditary royal lineage. However, over time, the concept of tyranny became associated with oppressive and unjust exercise of power, often wielded by a single individual or a small group, over a population. This evolution in meaning reflects the historical context of Greek city-states where tyrants often ruled with cruelty and autocracy, leading to the modern understanding of 'tyranny' as a symbol of oppressive and unjust governance.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the noun tyranny:

democracy

oppression

freedom

liberty

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Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Tyranny

1. History is filled with tales of the rise and fall of tyranny.
2. Tyranny often thrives in an atmosphere of ignorance and apathy.
3. The tyrant's rule was marked by cruelty and unchecked power.
4. In the face of tyranny, brave individuals dared to speak out.
5. The struggle for justice continued, as tyranny still loomed.
6. Tyranny often arises from a misuse of power.
7. The people grew tired of the king's relentless tyranny.
8. Her life was marked by the shadow of her father's tyranny.
9. The book shed light on the tyrannies of the past century.
10. He stood against the tyranny of the dictator.
11. Tyranny in any form is a threat to our human rights.
12. The rise of the digital age has birthed a new form of tyranny: that of surveillance.
13. In the face of tyranny, they found strength in unity.
14. There's a fine line between firm leadership and outright tyranny.
15. The echoes of tyranny can be heard in their mournful songs.
16. This unjust law is nothing less than veiled tyranny.
17. His reign was not a monarchy, but a blatant tyranny.
18. Many nations have been forged in the fires of tyranny.
19. They bravely resisted the tyranny of the invading force.
20. In the classroom, his style of teaching bordered on tyranny.
21. Fighting tyranny often requires courage and resilience.
22. The tyranny of time haunts us all, as it never stops ticking.
23. From tyranny's ashes, the seeds of democracy can grow.
24. She raised her voice to speak out against the tyranny she witnessed.