protectorate

[ pruh-tek-ter-it ]

/ prəˈtɛk tər ɪt /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for protectorate on Thesaurus.com

noun

the relation of a strong state toward a weaker state or territory that it protects and partly controls.

a state or territory so protected.

the office or position, or the term of office, of a protector.

the government of a protector.

(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).

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of protectorate

First recorded in 1685–95; protector + -ate³

Words nearby protectorate

protective custody, protective slope, protective system, protective tariff, protector, protectorate, protectory, protectress, protégé, protégée, protei

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use protectorate in a sentence

They wanted independence or, barring that, an American-administered protectorate.
America, Once Again Dazed and Confused in the Middle East|Scott Anderson|September 22, 2013|DAILY BEAST
The British ruled it as a protectorate from 1868 until 1968 and dominated the security services for decades afterward.
Bahrain Uprising: High Stakes for the U.S.|Bruce Riedel|February 19, 2011|DAILY BEAST
As an 11-year-old growing up in Somaliland, then a British protectorate, Edna Adan Ismail had a powerful dream.
Somaliland's Healer of Women|Lynn Sherr|March 13, 2010|DAILY BEAST
She felt the relationship to be a true one, in contradistinction to the more usual form of protectorate of woman to child.
The Daughters of Danaus|Mona Caird

The government capital of the protectorate, however, is Zomba, at the base of the mountain of that name.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
In 1904 the administration of the protectorate, originally directed by the foreign office, was transferred to the colonial office.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
It is known as the Goro Escarpment, and at its eastern end it forms the boundary between the protectorate and Abyssinia.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various
There is a police force of about 2000 men, and two battalions of the King's African Rifles are stationed in the protectorate.
Encyclopaedia Britannica, 11th Edition, Volume 4, Part 3|Various

British Dictionary definitions for protectorate

protectorate

/ (prəˈtɛktərɪt) /

noun

a territory largely controlled by but not annexed to a stronger state
the relation of a protecting state to its protected territory

the office or period of office of a protector

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

Cultural definitions for protectorate

protectorate

[ (pruh-tek-tuhr-uht) ]

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.

protectorate

Origin of protectorate

Words nearby protectorate

Words related to protectorate

How to use protectorate in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for protectorate

Cultural definitions for protectorate