protectorate

[ pruh-tek-ter-it ]

noun

1. the relation of a strong state toward a weaker state or territory that it protects and partly controls.
2. a state or territory so protected.
3. the office or position, or the term of office, of a protector.
4. the government of a protector.
5. (initial capital letter) English History. the period (1653–59) during which Oliver and Richard Cromwell held the title of Lord Protector, sometimes extended to include the period of the restoration of the Rump Parliament (1659–60).

protectorate

/ prəˈtɛktərɪt /

noun

1. 1. a territory largely controlled by but not annexed to a stronger state
   2. the relation of a protecting state to its protected territory
2. the office or period of office of a protector

protectorate

1. A relationship between a strong sovereign nation and a weak nation or area not recognized as a nation. Once the strong nation has established a protectorate over a weak nation, it can control the latter's affairs.

Word History and Origins

Origin of protectorate¹

First recorded in 1685–95; protector + -ate ³

Example Sentences

But they are believed to have been intentionally introduced in East Africa around 1890s in a bid to tackle a mounting waste problem on the Zanzibar archipelago, then a British protectorate.

From BBC

In Africa, French and British troops invaded the German protectorate of Togoland, while German forces attacked the British colony of South Africa.

From Literature

He was sent to an orphanage in Lebanon, then a French protectorate, where he discovered French language and culture.

From Seattle Times

Somaliland, a former British protectorate which declared independence from Somalia in 1991, has all the trappings of a country, including regular elections, a police force and its own currency.

From BBC

Somaliland, a former British protectorate, declared itself independent from Somalia in 1991 and has all the trappings of a country, including a working political system, regular elections, a police force and its own currency.

From BBC

Related Words

• outpost
• province
• territory