satrap

[ sey-trap, sa- ]

noun

1. a governor of a province under the ancient Persian monarchy.
2. a subordinate ruler, often a despotic one.

satrap

/ ˈsætrəp /

noun

1. (in ancient Persia) a provincial governor
2. a subordinate ruler, esp a despotic one

Word History and Origins

Origin of satrap¹

1350–1400; Middle English < Latin satrapa < Greek satrápēs < Old Persian khshathra-pāvan- country-protector

Word History and Origins

Origin of satrap¹

C14: from Latin satrapa, from Greek satrapēs, from Old Persian khshathrapāvan, literally: protector of the land

Example Sentences

Political scientist KC Suri has attributed the Congress' decline to it becoming a "playground for political entrepreneurs, factions, and wily political satraps" in their relentless "pursuit of power and wealth".

From BBC

Alexander Lukashenko, the Belarus autocrat, has become Mr. Putin’s satrap, and the arrival of nuclear warheads would only subordinate Belarus further to Russia.

From Washington Post

Moscow has lost its aura and its grip, creating a disorderly vacuum that previously obedient former Soviet satraps, as well as China, are moving to fill.

From New York Times

Mr. Lukashenko has now become a satrap of Russian President Vladimir Putin, permitting Russian troops to use Belarus as a launchpad for the war against Ukraine.

From Washington Post

The referendum revoked the pledge Belarus made to be a non-nuclear state, meaning that Russia could move nuclear weapons onto the territory of its satrap, bordering NATO.

From Washington Post