Etymology Map
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Tyrant

3 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means a cruel and oppressive ruler

Where does the word "tyrant" come from? It comes from Greek tyrannos, passing through Latin before entering English (1200s).

1
Stage 1 of 3
tyrannos
Greek · ancient
"absolute ruler"
a ruler who seized power outside tradition; some, like Peisistratos of Athens, were popular
2
Stage 2 of 3
tyrannus
Latin · ancient
"despot"
took on the sense of a cruel ruler
3
Stage 3 of 3
tyrant
English · 1200s
"a cruel ruler"
the 't' ending came from French 'tyrant'
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Read the full story

Tyrant’s story begins in Greek: tyrannos meant “absolute ruler.” A ruler who seized power outside tradition; some, like Peisistratos of Athens, were popular. By ancient, the word had taken hold in Latin as tyrannus. Took on the sense of a cruel ruler. It reached English by 1200s as tyrant. The 't' ending came from French 'tyrant'. Today, tyrant means a cruel and oppressive ruler.