tyrannize
Translation
to tyrannise, to oppress, to dominate
Examples
The dictator tyrannized his people for decades.
The dictator tyrannised his people for decades.
He tyrannized over the smaller children in the playground.
He tyrannised over the smaller children in the playground.
Grammar Patterns
((sb.)) to rule (sb.) cruelly The dictator tyrannised his people.
((over sb.)) to treat (sb.) cruelly He tyrannised over the smaller children.
Similar Words
Synonyms: oppress, dominate, bully; Antonyms: liberate, free
Etymology
From Greek 'tyrannos' (lord, tyrant) plus the verb-forming suffix '-ize'.
Memory Tips
Think of a 'tyrant' and the action they perform. The '-ize' suffix turns the noun 'tyrant' into a verb.