tyrannize
Rule through fear
To tyrannize is to rule or treat others with cruel, oppressive authority.
A dictator tyrannizes a nation; a bully tyrannizes classmates.
The word implies not just control but abuse of power—domination that crushes those beneath it: He tyrannized his employees with arbitrary demands and constant threats.
Someone can tyrannize over others or simply tyrannize them.
Control through superior strength
- subjugateBring under dominion
- ruleGoverning principle or standard
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- governExercise political control
reign · overpower · master · lord over · dictate · boss · bully · browbeat
Harass cruelly, persistently
- victimizeHarm someone deliberately
- tormentSevere prolonged suffering
- abuseCruel or violent treatment
- mistreatTo harm or neglect
exploit · crush · trample · brutalize · terrorize · dehumanize · enslave · punish
Ruler with absolute power
- autocratSole wielder of power
- dictatorRuler with total control
- totalitarianDictatorial, all-controlling regime
- authoritarianFavoring absolute control
fascism · Stalinism · despotism · junta · oligarchy · absolutism · regime · hegemony
Total lack of sound
- censorOne who suppresses content
- stifleSuppress or restrain
- repressHold back forcibly
- quashSuppress or nullify
muzzle · gag · clamp down · crack down · prohibit · ban · curtail · restrict
Harshly authoritarian in control
- heavy-handedClumsy and oppressive
- draconianExtremely harsh, especially laws
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- despoticExercising absolute authority
autocratic · high-handed · arbitrary · ruthless · merciless · cruel · harsh · severe
dominate
Control through superior strength
- subjugateBring under dominion
- ruleGoverning principle or standard
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
govern · reign · overpower · master · lord over · dictate · boss · bully · browbeat · intimidate
persecute
Harass cruelly, persistently
mistreat · exploit · crush · trample · brutalize · terrorize · dehumanize · enslave · punish · harass
despot
Ruler with absolute power
- autocratSole wielder of power
- dictatorRuler with total control
- totalitarianDictatorial, all-controlling regime
authoritarian · fascism · Stalinism · despotism · junta · oligarchy · absolutism · regime · hegemony · monocracy
silence
Total lack of sound
quash · muzzle · gag · clamp down · crack down · prohibit · ban · curtail · restrict · constrain
iron-fisted
Harshly authoritarian in control
- heavy-handedClumsy and oppressive
- draconianExtremely harsh, especially laws
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
despotic · autocratic · high-handed · arbitrary · ruthless · merciless · cruel · harsh · severe · unyielding
tyrannizeliberate
Set free from captivity
free · emancipate · empower · enfranchise · unshackle
- tyrannical ruleHarsh authoritarian governance
tyrannical, tyrannizing, tyrannized, tyrannically, tyrannizes, tyrannise, tyrannicide, tyrannised