tyrant

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

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.

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