tiranía

Tiranía is a Spanish word that translates to tyranny in English. It refers to a form of government where a single ruler, a tyrant, exercises absolute power, often in a cruel and oppressive manner. This ruler typically seizes power unconstitutionally and maintains it through force, suppression of dissent, and disregard for the rights and freedoms of the populace.

Historically, the concept of tyranny dates back to ancient Greece, where it described a ruler who governed without legal authority, often by gaining popularity and then exploiting it. While initially neutral, the term "tyrant" acquired its negative connotations over time, emphasizing the despotic and unjust nature of such rule.

In contemporary usage, tirania describes any oppressive regime that lacks legitimacy and systematically violates human rights. Characteristics of a tyrannical government can include arbitrary arrests, censorship, widespread surveillance, torture, and the elimination of political opposition. The absence of checks and balances on the ruler's power is a defining feature, leading to unchecked abuse and exploitation of the citizens. The struggle against tirania has been a recurring theme in political philosophy and historical movements advocating for liberty and self-governance.