satrap

noun

sa·​trap ˈsā-ˌtrap How to pronounce satrap (audio)
 also  ˈsa-ˌtrap,
 or  ˈsa-trəp
1
: the governor of a province in ancient Persia
2
a
: ruler
b
: a subordinate official : henchman

Examples of satrap in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
By contrast, given Russia's dominant role in the CU, joining that group would transform Yanukovych into a satrap of Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin, whom Yanukovych regards as the avatar of Russian arrogance. Rajan Menon, Foreign Affairs, 11 Oct. 2011 The quick collapse of the Soviet Union and its Eastern European satraps unsettled both nations. Christian Schneider, National Review, 21 Dec. 2023 What cues will America’s adversaries take if an Iranian satrap is allowed to establish an inviolable sphere of influence off Yemen’s coasts? The Editors, National Review, 20 Dec. 2023 The Belarusian leader, Aleksandr G. Lukashenko, is viewed largely as the Kremlin’s docile satrap. Valerie Hopkins, New York Times, 25 June 2023 The Belarusian leader, Alexander Lukashenko, is viewed largely as the Kremlin’s docile satrap. Valerie Hopkins, BostonGlobe.com, 25 June 2023 Backed by an expansive and brutal security system, Mr. Lukashenko shows no sign of losing his grip at home, if at the cost of becoming Mr. Putin’s enfeebled satrap. New York Times, 19 Feb. 2022 The 67-year-old sideline satrap enters the year with a career 292-134 record. Globe Staff, BostonGlobe.com, 5 Sep. 2019 Begelman was neither the first nor the last in a long line of Hollywood satraps who’ve triggered their own downfall. Stephen Galloway, The Hollywood Reporter, 23 Aug. 2019

Word History

Etymology

Middle English, from Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapēs, from Old Persian khshathrapāvan, literally, protector of the dominion

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of satrap was in the 14th century

Dictionary Entries Near satrap

Cite this Entry

“Satrap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/satrap. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

satrap

noun
sa·​trap ˈsā-ˌtrap How to pronounce satrap (audio)
ˈsa-
1
: the governor of a division of ancient Persia
2
: a ruler who is controlled by a higher authority

More from Merriam-Webster on satrap

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!