'tyranny' originates from Old French 'tyrannie', specifically the word 'tyrannia', where 'tyrannos' meant 'absolute ruler'.

'tyrannia' transformed into the Old French word 'tyrannie', and eventually became the modern English word 'tyranny'.

Initially, it meant 'absolute rule by a single person', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'oppressive government or rule'.