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
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The French protectorate of Cambodia was established in 1863 after a request from the Cambodian king, Norodom, partially due to fears of the neighboring Kingdom of Siam (present-day Thailand). Ashley Gardini, JSTOR Daily, 12 Nov. 2024 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 See all Example Sentences for protectorate 

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 3 Dec. 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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