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noun

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tyrant - A cruel and oppressive ruler, usually not restrained by law.

The tyrant locked up or killed anyone he thougth might be a threat.

noun

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tyranny - Cruel and oppressive government or rule

Josef Stalin was a brutal ruler whose tyranny killed millions of people. (related noun: Tyrant).

verb

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betray - To expose (one's country, a group, or a person) to danger by treacherously giving information to an enemy

Benedict Arnold famously betrayed the heroes of the Revolutionary War by helping the British.

noun

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coup - A sudden, violent, and unlawful seizure of power; or a clever and successful achievement.

The French Revolution in 1789 that deposed King Louis XVI and stomed the Bastille was a coup that not many people expected.

adjective

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bloodthirsty - Eager to see or take part in violence and killing; murderous and cruel.

Though Stalin killed up to 20 million people, it's pbobably not because he was bloodthirsty, but because he was misguided, paranoid, and a bit crazy.

verb

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abduct - To seize and take someone away against their will, by force; to kidnap.

The kidnappers abducted Patty Heart on February 4, 1974 and demanded that prisoners be released in exchange for her return.

noun

See verb

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ransom - A sum of money or other payment demanded or paid for the release of a someone held as a prisoner.

The family was able to raise the large sum of money that was demanded as ransom for their son.

verb

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mutiny - To refuse to obey orders, in an open revolt or uprising against leadership or control.

In 1789 the crew of the HMS Bounty decided to mutiny against their captain, partially because they wanted to stay in beautiful Tahiti.

noun

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havoc - Widespread destruction

The city's inhabitants walked through the destructive havoc caused by the falling bombs.

noun

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renegade - A person who deserts and betrays an organization, country, or set of principles

Benedict Arnold became an infamous renegade when he betrayed the Americans during the Revolutionary War.

noun

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treason - The act of betraying one's country

Benedict Arnold was accused of treason during the American Revolutionary War because he plotted to surrender the fort at West Point to the British forces.

verb

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bombard - To attack (a place or person) continuously with bombs, shells, or other missiles

The navy bombarded the enemy with cannon fire in order to overwhelm them quickly.