Warlord: meaning, definitions and examples
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warlord
[ ˈwɔːrˌlɔrd ]
military leader
A warlord is a military commander who exercises civil power in a region, often in the absence of a functional national government. Warlords typically control specific territories and often have their own armed forces. They can emerge in contexts of conflict where state authority is weakened or nonexistent, leading to local leaders rising to power through force or influence. The term is frequently associated with armed conflicts, particularly in failed states or regions with ongoing civil strife.
Synonyms
chieftain, commander, militant, military leader
Examples of usage
- The warlord maintained control over the region through a network of alliances.
- In many countries, warlords have taken advantage of political instability to establish their rule.
- The warlord's forces clashed with government troops in a bid for power.
Translations
Translations of the word "warlord" in other languages:
🇵🇹 warlord
🇮🇳 युद्धlord
🇩🇪 Kriegsherr
🇮🇩 penguasa perang
🇺🇦 воєначальник
🇵🇱 wódz wojenny
🇯🇵 戦争の領主
🇫🇷 seigneur de guerre
🇪🇸 señor de la guerra
🇹🇷 savaş lordu
🇰🇷 전쟁 군주
🇸🇦 أمير الحرب
🇨🇿 válečný pán
🇸🇰 vojnový pán
🇨🇳 战争领主
🇸🇮 vojni gospodar
🇮🇸 stríðsherra
🇰🇿 соғыс көсемі
🇬🇪 ომის მბრძანებელი
🇦🇿 müharibə lord
🇲🇽 señor de la guerra
Etymology
The term 'warlord' originated in English in the early 20th century, a compound word derived from 'war' and 'lord', indicating a lord or master in charge of armed forces. Its usage gained prominence particularly in the context of conflicts around the world, including the Chinese civil wars of the early 20th century, where regional military leaders operated independently from a central government. Over time, the label has applied broadly to various non-state actors controlling regions during periods of instability, such as in Somalia or Afghanistan. The increasing visibility of warlords in global conflicts has shaped the international community's approach to warfare and peacekeeping, highlighting issues of governance, legitimacy, and the impacts of non-state military groups on civilian populations.