protectorate

noun

pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce protectorate (audio)
1
a
: government by a protector
b
capitalized : the government of England (1653–59) under the Cromwells
c
: the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector
2
a
: the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent one
b
: the dependent political unit or territory in such a relationship

Examples of protectorate in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The country has been a Russian protectorate since World War I, gaining the upper hand in the first Nagorno-Karabakh war of 1988-1994 due to Russian support. Brady Knox, Washington Examiner - Political News and Conservative Analysis About Congress, the President, and the Federal Government, 21 Sep. 2024 Full independence came in 1970, freeing Tonga from its era as a British protectorate. Rob Crossan, JSTOR Daily, 21 June 2024 In 1942, during World War II, Japanese forces captured the British protectorate of North Borneo. Lorenzino Estrada, The Arizona Republic, 12 June 2024 Gaza became an Egyptian protectorate, and the West Bank was annexed by Jordan. Tom Segev, Foreign Affairs, 23 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for protectorate 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'protectorate.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Time Traveler
The first known use of protectorate was in 1662

Dictionary Entries Near protectorate

Cite this Entry

“Protectorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectorate. Accessed 11 Oct. 2024.

Kids Definition

protectorate

noun
pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət How to pronounce protectorate (audio)
1
a
: government by a protector
b
: the office or period of rule of a protector
2
: a small country ruled by a larger one
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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