tyrant Copy link Outline I. In the ancient sense an absolute ruler1. ty̆rannus2. dŏmĭnusII. Gen. • tyrant: I. In the ancient sense an absolute ruler: esp. one who has made himself sole master of a government hitherto aristocratic or democratic. The word did not necessarily convey the idea of oppression or injustice to individuals: 1. ty̆rannus: Cic.: Virg.: Hor. 2. dŏmĭnus: Cic. Rep. 2, 26, 48. [N.B.--In reference to Rome dominus and tyrannus have a bad sense.] II. Gen.: a domineering or cruel person: Expr. by adj. sŭperbus, grăvis, saevus, crūdēlis: v. cruel, oppressive: or by verb: v. domineer, oppress. To play the t., v. tyrannize.