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Synonyms

satrap

American  
[sey-trap, sa-] / ˈseɪ træp, ˈsæ- /

noun

  1. a governor of a province under the ancient Persian monarchy.

  2. a subordinate ruler, often a despotic one.


satrap British  
/ ˈsætrəp /

noun

  1. (in ancient Persia) a provincial governor

  2. a subordinate ruler, esp a despotic one

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of satrap

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

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Each satrapy was administered by a royal governor called a satrap, usually a trusted Persian or Median noble.

From Textbooks • Apr. 19, 2023

With Akhmad gone, Putin had a vacancy for a Chechen satrap, and Ramzan was perfect for the role.

From The Guardian • Sep. 23, 2015

Atta Mohammad Noor, a former warlord, is the immensely wealthy satrap of Balkh province in the north.

From Economist • Jul. 10, 2014

Her chum, and coworker, Minerva Bernardino of the Dominican Republic, was put in as vice chairlady to run things as satrap for the lady from Argentina.

From Time Magazine Archive

Sat′rapal, relating to a satrap or to a satrapy; Sā′trap-crowned, crested, like the golden-crested wren of North America.—n.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various