tyrannical
adj. C1 Advanced US //tɝˈænɪkəɫ// UK //tɪɹˈænɪkəl// tyran·ni·cal
adj. describing a leader or person who is very strict, cruel, and does not care about other people's feelings.
adj. characterised by the exercise of absolute power in a cruel or oppressive manner. Often used to describe leadership styles or personal behaviour that disregards the rights and dignity of others.
The manager's tyrannical behavior made the office atmosphere very unpleasant.
The new law was seen as tyrannical by many citizens who felt their basic rights were being ignored.
Historians often debate whether the ruler's tyrannical policies were a calculated strategy for maintaining control or a genuine lack of empathy for his subjects.
From Latin tyrannicus + -al; ultimately from Ancient Greek τύραννος (túrannos) (absolute ruler, despot).