Tyranny

Part of speech: noun (n.)

1. The government or authority of a tyrant; a country governed by an absolute ruler; hence, arbitrary or despotic exercise of power; exercise of power over subjects and others with a rigor not authorized by law or justice, or not requisite for the purposes of government. "Sir," would he [Seneca] say, "an emperor mote need Be virtuous and hate tyranny." Chaucer.

2. Cruel government or discipline; as, the tyranny of a schoolmaster.

3. Severity; rigor; inclemency. The tyranny of the open night's too rough For nature to endure. Shak.