Suzerain: meaning, definitions and examples
๐ค
suzerain
[ หsuห.zษ.reษชn ]
political relationship
A suzerain is a state or governing authority that exercises control over another state, known as a vassal, in international relations. This control can be direct or indirect, and typically involves a degree of sovereignty retained by the vassal state. The relationship often includes political and economic obligations where the vassal may owe allegiance or tribute to the suzerain. Suzerain-vassal relationships were prevalent in historical feudal systems, and their nuances reflect the balance of power and influence among states.
Synonyms
dominant state, overlord, superior power.
Examples of usage
- The suzerain imposed taxes on the vassal state.
- Historically, the Kingdom of France was a suzerain to various territories in Europe.
- In this treaty, the suzerain relinquished some control over its vassals.
- A suzerain often provides military protection to its vassals in exchange for loyalty.
Translations
Translations of the word "suzerain" in other languages:
๐ต๐น suserano
๐ฎ๐ณ เคธเคฐเฅเคตเคถเคเฅเคคเคฟเคฎเคพเคจ
๐ฉ๐ช Lehensherr
๐ฎ๐ฉ suzerain
๐บ๐ฆ ัะตะฝัะนะพั
๐ต๐ฑ suzeren
๐ฏ๐ต ๅฎไธปๅฝ
๐ซ๐ท suzerain
๐ช๐ธ suzerano
๐น๐ท suzeren
๐ฐ๐ท ์ข ์ฃผ๊ตญ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุงูุณูุฏ
๐จ๐ฟ suzerรฉn
๐ธ๐ฐ suzerรฉn
๐จ๐ณ ๅฎไธปๅฝ
๐ธ๐ฎ suzeren
๐ฎ๐ธ suzerain
๐ฐ๐ฟ ัะตะฝัะนะพั
๐ฌ๐ช แกแฃแแแ แแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ suzeren
๐ฒ๐ฝ suzerain
Etymology
The term 'suzerain' originated from the Middle French word 'suzerain', which can be traced back to the Old French 'suzerain' meaning 'lord'. Its etymological roots lie in the Latin word 'subserenus', which means 'to be under or subordinate'. In the context of feudalism, the concept of suzerainty evolved to define the formal relationship between lords and their vassals. While a lord had direct control over his vassals, a suzerain maintained a more abstract authority, often extending across various regions. The suzerain-vassal dynamic played a significant role in shaping medieval politics, exemplified by alliances and territorial disputes. Over time, the application of the term evolved, retaining its significance in discussions of both historical and contemporary geopolitics.
Word Frequency Rank
This word's position of #31,583 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.
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- 31580 defeatist
- 31581 carousing
- 31582 verbalized
- 31583 suzerain
- 31584 sulkily
- 31585 gnomes
- 31586 ceremonially
- ...