tyrannise
Dominate through fear
Tyrannise is the British spelling of tyrannize—to rule or treat others with cruel, oppressive authority.
A dictator tyrannises a nation; a bully tyrannises the playground.
The word implies not just control but abuse of power: He tyrannised his staff with arbitrary demands and public humiliation.
Promise harm or punishment
- menaceSource of potential harm
- terrorizeFrighten into submission
- frightenCause sudden alarm
- cowFemale bovine
browbeat · daunt · overawe · unnerve · brow-beat · petrify · terrorise · cower
Habitual intimidator
- forceStrength or compulsion
- compelForce to act
- pressureForce upon contact
- dictateGive orders imperiously
impose · demand · extort · dragoon · strong-arm · bludgeon · arm-twist · press-gang
threaten
Promise harm or punishment
cow · browbeat · daunt · overawe · unnerve · brow-beat · petrify · terrorise · cower · tremble
bully
Habitual intimidator
dictate · impose · demand · extort · dragoon · strong-arm · bludgeon · arm-twist · press-gang · railroad
persecute
Harass cruelly, persistently
exploit · abuse · torment · afflict · brutalize · mistreat · maltreat · enslave · suppress · repress
rule
Governing principle or standard
boss · subjugate · overpower · master · reign · govern · authority · autocracy · despotism · absolutism
tyranniseliberate
Set free from captivity
democratise · emancipate · free · enfranchise · serve
- tyrannical ruleHarsh authoritarian governance
tyrannical, tyrannize, tyrannizing, tyrannized, tyrannizes, tyrannicide, tyrannised