The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook

✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

✔ All-in-one: dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.

✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities.

✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.

✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT, CPE, BEC, PTE, FCE

Buy on Amazon

4.8

Improve Your Vocabulary Today!

overlord

noun

/ˈəʊvəlɔːd/

IPA:

Dictionary definition of overlord

A person who has supreme authority or control over a particular domain, organization, or group of people.
"The villagers lived in fear of the oppressive overlord who demanded heavy taxes."

Detailed meaning of overlord

It is often used in a military context to describe a commander who has full control over all aspects of a military operation or campaign. The term originated in medieval Europe, where it was used to describe a feudal lord who had control over a large area of land and the people who lived on it. In modern times, the term "Overlord" is commonly used in science fiction and fantasy literature and films to describe a powerful, often malevolent, being or entity that rules over others. The term can also be used in a figurative sense to describe someone who has complete control over a particular industry or field, such as a media overlord or a tech overlord.

Example sentences containing overlord

1. The corporate overlord made decisions that impacted the entire company.
2. In the fantasy novel, the evil overlord sought to conquer the kingdom.
3. The political overlord controlled the fate of the nation's policies.
4. The tech mogul was seen as the overlord of the digital age.
5. The feudal lord acted as an overlord to multiple vassals.
6. The media mogul was the overlord of a vast media empire.

History and etymology of overlord

The noun 'overlord' has a straightforward etymology that combines two English words: 'over' and 'lord.' 'Over' comes from Old English 'ofer,' meaning 'above' or 'beyond,' while 'lord' has Germanic origins and refers to a person of high rank or authority. When these two words are joined, they create the term 'overlord,' signifying a person who holds supreme authority or control over a particular domain, organization, or group of people. The etymology of 'overlord' aptly conveys the hierarchical nature of this term, where someone is positioned above others as the ultimate authority or ruler, reflecting the historical development of feudal systems and systems of governance.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun overlord:

answer1

answer2

answer3

answer4

Try Again!

Correct!

Continue Quiz

Further usage examples of overlord

1. The criminal overlord ran an underground syndicate with an iron fist.
2. In the dystopian future, the government functioned like an overlord.
3. The warlord claimed the title of overlord in the lawless region.
4. The tribal chief acted as the overlord of his people.
5. The billionaire philanthropist was an overlord of charitable initiatives.
6. The ruthless overlord ruled the kingdom with an iron fist.
7. In the medieval era, an overlord often held dominion over multiple fiefdoms.
8. The overlord's castle towered over the surrounding countryside.
9. Rebellion against the overlord's tyranny led to a fierce battle.
10. The overlord's minions carried out his every command without question.
11. The overlord's decree was law, and disobedience was met with severe punishment.
12. The overlord's wealth and power seemed limitless.
13. The overlord's armies swept across the land, conquering everything in their path.
14. The oppressed peasants dreamed of overthrowing their overlord.
15. The overlord had a network of spies to monitor his subjects.
16. The overlord's cruelty knew no bounds, and the people suffered greatly.
17. The council of advisors secretly plotted against the overlord.
18. A band of rebels gathered in the forest to plan an uprising against the overlord.
19. The overlord's reign of terror came to an end when a rival army defeated him.
20. The overlord's castle was a formidable fortress that withstood many sieges.
21. Songs and tales of the overlord's cruelty were passed down through generations.
22. The overlord's ambition knew no limits, and he sought to expand his territory.
23. The overlord demanded tribute from neighboring lands.
24. The people celebrated with great joy when the overlord was finally deposed.