Meaning
tyrant
In a sentence
Quel capo è un vero tiranno in ufficio.
That boss is a real tyrant at the office.
Perché fai il tiranno con tuo fratello?
Why are you acting like a tyrant with your brother?
Non voglio vivere con un tiranno in casa.
I don't want to live with a tyrant at home.
Word forms (2)
| Word | Word forms |
|---|---|
| tiranno | masculine · singular |
| tiranni | masculine · plural |
Usage notes
- Use for a cruel ruler or, figuratively, a domineering person. For a dictator specifically, dittatore is often more precise in political contexts.
- It’s a masculine noun: il tiranno, i tiranni. Feminine forms exist: la tiranna, but the masculine is often used generically.
- In everyday speech, it can be hyperbolic or playful: Che tiranno! said to someone being overly strict, not literally political.