Definition

1. 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

1. a person who has general authority over others