clipped from: dictionary.reference.com | 1. | arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority. |
| 2. | the government or rule of a tyrant or absolute ruler. |
| 3. | a state ruled by a tyrant or absolute ruler. |
| 4. | oppressive or unjustly severe government on the part of any ruler. |
| 5. | undue severity or harshness. |
| 6. | a tyrannical act or proceeding. |