The phrase "
tyranny of the majority" (or "
tyranny of the masses") is used in discussing systems of
democracy and
majority rule. It involves a scenario in which decisions made by a majority place its interests above those of an individual or minority group, constituting active oppression comparable to that of a
tyrant or
despot. In many cases a disliked ethnic, religious or racial group is deliberately penalized by the majority element acting through the democratic process.