Pharaoh

American  

[fair-oh, far-oh, fey-roh] / ˈfɛər oʊ, ˈfær oʊ, ˈfeɪ roʊ /

noun

1. a title of an ancient Egyptian king.

2. (lowercase)  any person who uses power or authority to oppress others; tyrant.

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Pharaoh British  

/ ˈfɛərəʊ, fɛəˈrɒnɪk /

noun

1. the title of the ancient Egyptian kings

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pharaoh Cultural  

1. The title of the kings of ancient Egypt (see also Egypt). In the story of Joseph and his brothers, a pharaoh puts Joseph in charge of his entire kingdom. In the Book of Exodus, a pharaoh repeatedly refuses the request of Moses to let the Israelites leave the country and does not give in until after the worst of the ten plagues of Egypt.

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Other Word Forms

• Pharaonic adjective

Etymology

Origin of Pharaoh

before 900; Middle English Pharao, Old English Pharaon < Latin pharaō < Greek pharaṓ (stem pharaōn- ) < Hebrew phārʿōh < Egyptian pr house + ʿʾ great; originally a designation for the palace, but used to refer to the king from the time of Akhenaton (14th cent. b.c.); -h restored from Hebrew

Example Sentences

It’s kind of like Ramses in the movie “The Ten Commandments” when he says, “Command them to kneel before Pharaoh.”

From Salon

“It’s the Pharaoh Syndrome. You are working for the top of the pyramid and it will eventually come back to you.”

From Los Angeles Times

Gilbert had just left “a talk about Egypt where they said they were beaming people into space when they die and that’s why the Pharaohs are in pyramids,” he laughed.

From Los Angeles Times

Saratoga has seen upsets since opening before the end of the Civil War, including Upset defeating decorated Man o’ War and Triple Crown winner American Pharaoh slipping up against Keen Ice in the Travers.

From Seattle Times

Harris is the second external free agent to reach agreement with the Seahawks, joining tight end Pharaoh Brown.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• emperor
• king
• monarch
• ruler