dynast

[ dahy-nast, -nuhst; British also din-ast ]

noun

1. a ruler or potentate, especially a hereditary ruler.

dynast

/ ˈdɪnəst; -æst /

noun

1. a ruler, esp a hereditary one

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynast¹

1625–35; < Latin dynastēs < Greek dynástēs, equivalent to dýnas ( thai ) to rule + -tēs agent suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of dynast¹

C17: from Latin dynastēs, from Greek dunastēs, from dunasthai to be powerful

Example Sentences

“He’s a fifth generation dynast and came with a lot of historical baggage,” the political analyst explains.

From BBC

But the novel becomes more intriguing once you know its rural Virginian petty dynasts correspond to the Tudors at the height of British rule.

From Los Angeles Times

The dynast Gotabaya Rajapaksa was leading the administration at the time, and he had appointed his brothers and his nephew to his cabinet.

From New York Times

Farrar became the paper’s first crossword puzzle editor, the founding dynast of the Hapsburgs of the crossword empire.

From New York Times

Many parties are like personal fiefs run by dominant personalities and dynasts, and lacking inner-party democracy - conditions, which help "opportunistic candidates with deep pockets".

From BBC

Related Words

• czar
• emperor
• king
• monarch
• shah
• sultan