protectorate

[ pruh-tek-ter-it ]

noun

1. the relation of a strong state toward a weaker state or territory that it protects and partly controls.
2. a state or territory so protected.
3. the office or position, or the term of office, of a protector.
4. the government of a protector.
5. (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).

protectorate

/ prəˈtɛktərɪt /

noun

1. 1. a territory largely controlled by but not annexed to a stronger state
   2. the relation of a protecting state to its protected territory
2. the office or period of office of a protector

protectorate

1. 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.

Word History and Origins

Origin of protectorate¹

First recorded in 1685–95; protector + -ate ³

Example Sentences

They wanted independence or, barring that, an American-administered protectorate.

From The Daily Beast

The British ruled it as a protectorate from 1868 until 1968 and dominated the security services for decades afterward.

From The Daily Beast

As an 11-year-old growing up in Somaliland, then a British protectorate, Edna Adan Ismail had a powerful dream.

From The Daily Beast

She felt the relationship to be a true one, in contradistinction to the more usual form of protectorate of woman to child.

From Project Gutenberg

The government capital of the protectorate, however, is Zomba, at the base of the mountain of that name.

From Project Gutenberg

In 1904 the administration of the protectorate, originally directed by the foreign office, was transferred to the colonial office.

From Project Gutenberg

It is known as the Goro Escarpment, and at its eastern end it forms the boundary between the protectorate and Abyssinia.

From Project Gutenberg

There is a police force of about 2000 men, and two battalions of the King's African Rifles are stationed in the protectorate.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• outpost
• province
• territory