noun

satrap

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Satrap (noun) means a governor who ruled a province of the ancient Persian empire. Example: “The satrap collected taxes on behalf of the Persian king.”

noun

historical A governor who ruled a province of the ancient Persian empire.

"The satrap collected taxes on behalf of the Persian king."

"Each satrap governed a distant province with considerable independence."

"Historians describe how satraps kept order across the empire's many territories."

How to use satrap

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA satrap was a provincial governor under the ancient Persian kings.

When to use it

The word belongs to historical writing about the ancient Persian empire.

Memory tip

Think of a satrap as the Persian equivalent of a regional governor answering to the king.

Trace the full origin ↓

Common pairings

a Persian satrap the satrap of a province appointed as satrap

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “satrap” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The _____ collected taxes on behalf of the Persian king.

Etymology

Satrap reached English through Latin satrapes, which itself came from the Ancient Greek satrapes. The Greek word was taken from an Old Median term literally meaning kingdom-protector, a compound related to a similar Old Persian title for the same office.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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governor

Related words

leader governor boss controller superintendent ruler regulator warden

Frequently asked questions

What does satrap mean?

A satrap was a governor who ruled a province of the ancient Persian empire on the king's behalf.

Where does the word satrap come from?

It came into English via Latin and Greek from an Old Median word meaning kingdom-protector, describing the role of a provincial governor.

Is satrap still used today?

It is mainly a historical term used when discussing the government of the ancient Persian empire.

What is the meaning of satrap?

"satrap" (noun) means a governor who ruled a province of the ancient Persian empire.

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