tyrannical
Meaning: Exercising power in a cruel, unjust, and arbitrary manner; characteristic of a tyrant who governs through fear and coercion rather than consent.
Tyrannical is one of the strongest terms in the vocabulary of political condemnation. It implies not just authoritarian control but a deliberate cruelty and contempt for the rights of the governed. The word is used in formal political analysis, historical writing, and polemical journalism. It also appears in figurative contexts to describe any overbearing authority. Common collocations include 'tyrannical government,' 'tyrannical behaviour,' 'tyrannical boss,' and 'tyrannical decree.'
Examples
- The tyrannical regime maintained its grip on power through a network of secret police and informants. 这个暴虐的政权通过秘密警察和告密者网络维持着对权力的掌控。El régimen tiránico mantuvo su control del poder mediante una red de policía secreta e informantes.その暴虐な政権は、秘密警察と密告者のネットワークを通じて権力を維持した。그 폭압적 정권은 비밀경찰과 밀고자의 네트워크를 통해 권력을 장악했다.
- Opposition MPs described the emergency legislation as tyrannical, arguing that it stripped citizens of fundamental liberties. 反对党议员将该紧急立法称为暴政,认为它剥夺了公民的基本自由。Los diputados de la oposición calificaron la legislación de emergencia de tiránica, argumentando que despojaba a los ciudadanos de libertades fundamentales.野党議員はその緊急立法を暴虐的と評し、市民の基本的自由を剥奪するものだと主張した。야당 의원들은 그 긴급 입법을 폭압적이라고 규정하며, 시민의 기본적 자유를 박탈하는 것이라고 주장했다.
- She eventually left the company, unable to tolerate the tyrannical demands of a manager who treated every missed deadline as a personal affront. 她最终离开了公司,无法忍受那位将每次错过截止日期都视为人身冒犯的暴君式经理的无理要求。Finalmente abandonó la empresa, incapaz de soportar las exigencias tiránicas de un jefe que trataba cada plazo incumplido como una afrenta personal.彼女は、締切を一つ逃すたびに個人的侮辱と受け取る暴君的な上司の要求に耐えられず、最終的に会社を去った。그녀는 마감을 하나라도 놓칠 때마다 개인적 모욕으로 받아들이는 폭군적인 상사의 요구를 견디지 못해 결국 회사를 떠났다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: political, academic, historical, media
Tone: critical
Origin & History
From Latin tyrannicus, from Greek tyrannikos, derived from tyrannos meaning 'absolute ruler' (originally without negative connotation). The pejorative sense developed in classical Athens, where tyranny came to denote illegitimate, oppressive rule.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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