warlord

American  

[wawr-lawrd] / ˈwɔrˌlɔrd /

noun

1. a military leader, especially of a warlike nation.

2. a military commander who has seized power, especially in one section of a country.

3. tuchun.

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warlord British  

/ ˈwɔːˌlɔːd /

noun

1. a military leader of a nation or part of a nation, esp one who is accountable to nobody when the central government is weak

   the Chinese warlords

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Other Word Forms

• warlordism noun

Etymology

Origin of warlord

First recorded in 1855–60; war ¹ + lord

Example Sentences

Local warlords allied to the military have been the principal protectors and business partners of the Chinese scam bosses, and have become very rich.

From BBC

As the meeting place for foreign journalists and diplomats, local politicians and warlords, the Inter-Con long functioned as a vital institution of Afghanistan’s public life.

From The Wall Street Journal

It was minted by a Viking warlord after he became a Christian king, known as Aethelstan II.

From BBC

Their warlord father is displeased with both of them.

From Los Angeles Times

Fifteen years later, Libya remains a basket case of militias, warlords and weak institutions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• assailant
• boxer
• champion
• combatant
• mercenary
• militant
• opponent
• soldier
• tanker
• warrior