1. rule or exercise power over (somebody) in a cruel and autocratic manner - her husband and mother-in-law tyrannize her • Syn: tyrannise, domineer • Derivationally related forms: tyrant • Hypernyms: strong-arm, bully, browbeat, bullyrag, ballyrag, boss around, hector, push around • Verb Frames: - Somebody ----s somebody - Sam cannot tyrannize Sue 2. rule a country as a tyrant • Syn: tyrannise, grind down • Derivationally related forms: tyrant • Hypernyms: dictate • Verb Frames: - Somebody ----s something