Cool MateTyrant
UK //ˈtaɪrənt//US //ˈtaɪrənt//
Definition
A cruel leader who uses power oppressively.
In simple words: A ruler who uses power cruelly.
Examples
- The people rebelled against the tyrant who ruled with an iron fist.
- She described the dictator as a tyrant who silenced opposition.
- Throughout history, many tyrants have faced uprisings from their citizens.
- They lived under a tyrant who cared little for the welfare of his people.
- The novel follows the tale of a young hero fighting against a tyrant.
Usage notes
Used to describe people in power who abuse their authority. Can be used in both historical and contemporary contexts.
Grammar pattern
tyrant + subject
Memory hint
Think of a 'tyrant' as a 'tire-ant', an ant that crushes everything under its tire.
Collocations
- cruel tyrant
- tyrant ruler
- tyrant government
Synonyms
- dictator
- oppressor
- despot
- autocrat
- tyranny
Antonyms
- democrat
- liberator
- peacemaker
Common mistakes
- Confused with 'tyranny', which refers to the state of being ruled by a tyrant.
- Often misused to describe any strict leader instead of specifically cruel rulers.
- Sometimes used without understanding the legal implications of tyranny versus authoritative leadership.