tyrannize

/ˈtɪrənaɪz/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈtɪrənaɪz/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈtir-ə-ˌnīz How to pronounce tyrannize (audio)/ (ame, mw)

tyrannize — verb

  • tyrannizepresent simple I / you / we / they
  • tyrannizeshe / she / it
  • tyrannizedpast simple
  • tyrannizing-ing form

1. to use power over someone in a harsh way, forcing them to obey instead of lettin

1.動詞及物C1
釋義

to use power over someone in a harsh way, forcing them to obey instead of letting them choose for themselves

例句

The older boys tyrannized the new students on the school bus.

pattern: tyrannize + person/group

For years, the landlord tyrannized tenants with threats about late rent.

common context: control through threats

同義詞
  • bully

    More common and often used for repeated intimidation in school or work settings

  • oppress

    Heavier and broader, often used for groups kept down by a system or authority

  • domineer

    Focuses on bossy control and giving orders, sometimes with less cruelty

  • boss around

    Informal and milder, often for annoying control rather than true tyranny

反義詞
  • respect

    Allows others to make their own choices instead of forcing obedience

  • empower

    Gives someone more control instead of taking it away

文法句型

tyrannize + person/group

用法筆記

Object is usually a person or group with less power, such as children, workers, or tenants. The verb suggests repeated cruel control and sounds stronger and more formal than everyday verbs like 'boss around'.

常見錯誤

❌The heavy rules tyrannized the office.
✅The manager tyrannized the office staff with heavy rules.
💡'tyrannize' takes a person or group as its object, not the rules themselves.
❌My sister tyrannized over me all summer.
✅My sister tyrannized me all summer.
💡'tyrannize' normally takes a direct object without 'over'.