Definition

Noun: 1. Vassal: A feudal lord who is subordinate and owes allegiance to a more powerful feudal lord or sovereign, typically in exchange for protection and the right to rule a territory. 2. Vassal state / Satellite state: A country that is officially independent but is in reality under the political, economic, and military control or heavy influence of a more powerful nation.

Usage Examples

• In the feudal system, weaker lords became vassals of the king. (Trong chế độ phong kiến, các lãnh chúa yếu hơn trở thành chư hầu của nhà vua.)
• That small kingdom was a vassal state of the empire for centuries. (Vương quốc nhỏ đó là một nước chư hầu của đế chế trong nhiều thế kỷ.)
• During the Cold War, several Eastern European countries were considered satellite states. (Trong thời kỳ Chiến tranh Lạnh, một số quốc gia Đông Âu được coi là các nước chư hầu.)

Advanced Usage

• To be reduced to a vassal: To be forced into a position of subservience.
  • The defeated nation was reduced to a vassal. (Quốc gia bại trận bị biến thành một chư hầu.)
• Vassalage (noun): The state or condition of being a vassal.
  • The treaty imposed vassalage on the smaller kingdom. (Hiệp ước áp đặt tình trạng chư hầu lên vương quốc nhỏ hơn.)

Variants and Related Words

• Suzerain (noun): The superior feudal lord or dominant nation to whom a vassal owes allegiance. (Bá chủ)
• Tributary state (noun): A state that is subordinate to another and pays tribute, often similar to a vassal state. (Nước phiên thuộc, nước triều cống)

Synonyms

• Dependent state: A state controlled by another.
• Puppet state: A government that is externally controlled, often used with a more negative connotation than "vassal state." (Chính phủ bù nhìn)
• Subordinate: A person or entity lower in rank or position.

Related Phrases / Idioms

• To play the vassal: To act in a subservient or obedient manner to a more powerful entity.
  • The corrupt leader chose to play the vassal to the foreign power. (Kẻ lãnh đạo tham nhũng đã chọn làm chư hầu cho cường quốc nước ngoài.)

noun

1. Vassal, vassal state, satellite state