tyranny Definition

tyranny
noun tyrannies

1. The use of cruelty, injustice, oppression, etc to enforce authority or power.

Thesaurus: authoritarianism, despotism, dictatorship, autocracy, oppression, coercion, imperiousness, injustice; Antonym: democracy, liberality.
2a. Absolute, cruel and oppressive government by a single tyrant or group of tyrannical people;
2b. A state under such government;
2c. A period when this kind of government rules.
3. A cruel, unjust or oppressive act.

Etymology: 14c: from French tyrannie.