# robber baron

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/robber-baron
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a business tycoon who had great wealth and influence but whose methods were morally questionable and often unethical.

## Examples

- The robber baron built his fortune by crushing all his competitors.
- Historians often describe the industrialist as a robber baron because he used ruthless tactics to gain total control over the railroad industry.
- While the city benefited from his massive infrastructure projects, many critics labeled him a robber baron for his exploitative labor practices and disregard for the public good.

---

From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.