<p><strong>Noun</strong></p><ul><li>the arbitrary or unrestrained exercise of power; despotic abuse of authority</li><li>the government or rule of a tyrant or absolute ruler</li><li>a state ruled by a tyrant or absolute ruler</li><li>oppressive or unjustly severe government on the part of any ruler</li><li>undue severity or harshness</li><li>a cruel or harsh act or proceeding; an arbitrary, oppressive, or tyrannical action</li></ul>