What is "tyranny" and what does paine compare it to?

Tyranny is basically an oppressive form of ruling. A ruler who is a tyrant tends to be cruel and autocratic. Thomas Paine was a famous American writer whose writings influenced the American Revolution. Paine compared tyranny to hell. He quoted "Tyranny, like hell, is not easily conquered". This means, that it is not easy to conquer tyranny and obtain freedom, but that is what makes the ultimate victory sweeter.