# tyrannical

/tɝˈænɪkəɫ/ (US) · /tɪɹˈænɪkəl/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/tyrannical
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

describing a leader or person who is very strict, cruel, and does not care about other people's feelings.

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- 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.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.