tyranny

Main Entry: tyr·an·ny
Pronunciation: \ˈtir-ə-nē\
Function: noun
Etymology: Middle English tyrannie, from Middle French, from Medieval Latin tyrannia, from Latin tyrannus tyrant
Date: 14th century

1 : oppressive power ; especially : oppressive power exerted by government
2 a : a government in which absolute power is vested in a single ruler; especially : one characteristic of an ancient Greek city-state b : the office, authority, and administration of a tyrant

A tyrant is a leader who exercises their power against public interest. A tyrant may take control of a city or state by his or her own means, or a tyrant may cater to a specific oligarchy to gain control. From a factual standpoint, tyranny is absolute power for a single individual. From an opinion standpoint, tyranny is an unethical abuse of absolute power. According to writer Jona Lendering, economies usually benefited under rule of a tyranny, which would vindicate a ruler's absolute power.


World's 10 Most Notorious Tyrants
10. Caligula: Roman Emperor (37-41)
9. Genghis Khan: Ruler of the Mongol Empire (1206-1227)
8. Henry VIII: King of England (1509-1547)
7. Ivan IV: Czar of Russia from (1533-1584)
6. Maximilien Robespierre: Ruler of France (1793-1794)
5. Joseph Stalin: Leader of the Soviet Union (1922-1953)
4. Adolf Hitler: Führer of Germany (1933-1945)
3. Augusto Pinochet: President of Chile (1973-1990)
2. Pol Pot: Ruler of Cambodia (1975-1979)
1. Kim Jong-il: Supreme Leader of North Korea (1991-Present)
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