protectorate

noun

pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət 

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

France has been grudgingly watching from the sidelines as Hochstein asserted American leadership at the expense of French diplomacy over its former protectorate. —Firas Maksad, TIME, 26 Nov. 2024

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

Word History

First Known Use

1662, in the meaning defined at sense 1b

Kids Definition

protectorate

noun

pro·​tec·​tor·​ate prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət 

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