overlord
/'ouvəlɔ:d/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A person who has general authority over others: An overlord is a person who holds supreme power or authority over a group of people, a territory, or other rulers. This term often implies a position of dominance, especially in a feudal or historical context where a superior lord rules over lesser lords or vassals.
Usage Examples
- Noun:
- The feudal overlord demanded tribute from the local barons.
- In the story, the dark overlord ruled the land with an iron fist.
Advanced Usage
- "To act as an overlord": To exercise authority in a domineering or supreme manner.
- The corrupt official began to act as an overlord, ignoring the needs of the people.
Variants and Related Words
- Overlordship (n): The position, authority, or domain of an overlord.
- His overlordship extended across three provinces.
Synonyms
- Suzerain: A sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous.
- Supreme ruler: A leader with the highest authority.
- Lord: A person having authority, control, or power over others; a master, chief, or ruler.
Antonyms
- Vassal: A person under the protection of a feudal lord to whom he has vowed homage and fealty.
- Subject: One that is placed under authority or control.
Related Phrases
- Corporate overlord: (Modern, often critical) A term used to describe a person or entity seen as wielding excessive, controlling power in a business context.
- Employees protested against decisions made by the distant corporate overlords.
Noun
- a person who has general authority over others