Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

sic semper tyrannis

phrase

sik SEM-per ti-RAN-is

Definition

Thus always to tyrants.

Examples

The phrase ‘sic semper tyrannis’ is famously associated with John Wilkes Booth, who allegedly shouted it after assassinating Abraham Lincoln.
Many revolutions have been motivated by the belief captured in ‘sic semper tyrannis’: that tyrants will ultimately meet their fate.

Meaning

This Latin phrase expresses the idea that tyrants will always face consequences or downfall, often used to justify or denote resistance against oppression.