Definition

Proper noun 1. A historical title and epithet: "Ivan the Terrible" refers to Ivan IV Vasilyevich, the first ruler to be formally crowned as "Tsar of All Russia." His reign (1547-1584) was marked by significant expansion of Russian territory, centralization of state power, and a period of extreme political repression and brutality, which earned him the epithet "the Terrible."

Usage Examples

• Proper noun:
  • Ivan the Terrible established the Oprichnina, a state policy that used secret police to execute his opponents.
  • The reign of Ivan the Terrible saw the conquest of the Khanates of Kazan and Astrakhan.
  • Many historical accounts focus on the complex legacy of Ivan the Terrible, who was both a patron of the arts and a notoriously violent ruler.

Advanced Usage

• As a historical reference point: The term is often used metaphorically to describe a ruler or leader who exercises power with extreme cruelty and paranoia.
  • The dictator was compared to Ivan the Terrible for his ruthless purges of political rivals.

Variants and Related Words

• Ivan IV: The formal regnal name and number for the same historical figure.
• Tsar Ivan: A more general title, though it usually refers to Ivan IV in a historical context.
• The Terrible Tsar: A descriptive phrase echoing the epithet.

Synonyms

• Ivan IV
• Ivan Grozny (The Russian translation of "Ivan the Terrible," where "Grozny" connotes "awe-inspiring" or "formidable," as well as "dreadful").

Related Idioms and Phrases

• A reign of terror: While not exclusive to Ivan, this phrase aptly describes the latter part of his rule. His policies are a classic historical example of such a period.
  • The Oprichnina under Ivan the Terrible was a true reign of terror for the Russian nobility.

Noun

1. the first czar of Russia (1530-1584)