suzerain
/'su:zərein/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- A sovereign or state having some control over another state that is internally autonomous: A suzerain is a dominant political entity, often a state or ruler, that exercises a degree of authority, especially in foreign affairs, over another state or territory that manages its own internal affairs.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- In the 19th century, the Ottoman Empire was the suzerain over several Balkan principalities.
- The treaty established the larger kingdom as the suzerain, responsible for the protectorate's defense and international relations.
Advanced Usage
- "Suzerainty" (n): The position, power, or dominion of a suzerain.
- The smaller nation accepted the suzerainty of its powerful neighbor in exchange for protection.
Variants and Related Words
- Suzerainty (n): The right of a country to rule over another country or the period of time during which this right exists.
- The region existed under the suzerainty of the empire for centuries.
Synonyms
- Overlord: A ruler, especially a feudal lord, with supreme power.
- Hegemon: A leading or paramount power.
- Sovereign: A supreme ruler, especially a monarch.
Related Phrases
- Suzerain state: The state that holds suzerainty.
- Historically, China was often the suzerain state in its relations with tributary kingdoms.
- Vassal state: A state that is subordinate to a suzerain. (Note: This is a related but distinct concept, as a vassal state typically has more obligations than a state under suzerainty).
- The agreement reduced the country from a sovereign nation to a vassal state of the suzerain.
Noun
- a state exercising a degree of dominion over a dependent state especially in its foreign affairs