The meaning of tyranny is related to oppression, cruelty and abuse of power. It is a term that originates from the Greek word "turannos" which in classical Greece designated an illegitimate government, that is, it would have been illegally instituted. Tyrant was the name given to the representative of that government. Some Greek tyrants acted positively and contributed to the progress of some cities. The evolution of the term's negative connotation was due to tyrants who abused power.
The modern concept of tyranny constitutes a form of unwanted action both in politics and in other human relations. In politics, the power of a tyrannical government can be compared to absolutism, despotism or dictatorship. This type of government can happen through a revolution or a coup d'etat or through democratic elections. The negative meaning will be attributed when restrictions on freedom of expression begin to exist, threats to opponents and other means of abuse in an attempt to maintain power.
Other applications of the term tyranny relate to the domination of certain realities over an individual who can change their somehow their behavior, for example, the tyranny of communication, the tyranny of a passion, the tyranny of fashion, etc.
Learn more about absolutism and some of your features.
