— tyrannically , adv. — tyrannicalness , n.
/ti ran"i keuhl, tuy-/ , adj.
1. of or characteristic of a tyrant.
2. unjustly cruel, harsh, or severe; arbitrary or oppressive; despotic: a tyrannical ruler.
Also, tyrannic .
[ 1530-40; tyrannic ( us ) ( tyrannikós, equiv. to týrann ( os ) TYRANT + -ikos -IC) + -AL 1 ]
Syn. 2. dictatorial; imperious, domineering.