tyrannical Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. adjective satellite marked by unjust severity or arbitrary behavior
    tyrannous; oppressive.
    • the oppressive government
    • oppressive laws
    • a tyrannical parent
    • tyrannous disregard of human rights
  2. adjective satellite characteristic of an absolute ruler or absolute rule; having absolute sovereignty
    authoritarian; dictatorial; despotic; tyrannic; autocratic.
    • an authoritarian regime
    • autocratic government
    • despotic rulers
    • a dictatorial rule that lasted for the duration of the war
    • a tyrannical government

WordNet

Ty*ran"nic, Ty*ran"nic*al adjective (Also<
  • Tyrannic; 277
  • Tyrannical
)
Etymology
L. tyrannicus, Gr. : cf. F. tyrannique. See Tyrant.
Definitions
  1. Of or pertaining to a tyrant; suiting a tyrant; unjustly severe in government; absolute; imperious; despotic; cruel; arbitrary; as, a tyrannical prince; a tyrannical master; tyrannical government. "A power tyrannical." Shak.
    Our sects a more tyrannic power assume. Roscommon.
    The oppressor ruled tyrannic where he durst. Pope.
    -- Ty*ran"nic*al*ly, adv. -- Ty*ran"nic*al*ness, .

Webster 1913