/tir"euh nee/ , n. , pl. tyrannies .
1. arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority.
2. the government or rule of a tyrant or absolute ruler.
3. a state ruled by a tyrant or absolute ruler.
4. oppressive or unjustly severe government on the part of any ruler.
5. undue severity or harshness.
6. a tyrannical act or proceeding.
[ 1325-75; ME tyrannie tyrannia, equiv. to L tyrann ( us ) TYRANT + -ia -Y 3 ]
Syn. 1. despotism, absolutism, dictatorship.