English Reference

Word

hitler

Phoneticshitler

/ˈhɪtɫɝ/

Definitions

01historical figure

B1

n. Adolf Hitler, the leader of Nazi Germany from 1933 to 1945.

n. The historical figure Adolf Hitler, leader of the Nazi Party and dictator of Germany during World War II.

“Students in history class are learning about the rise of Hitler in the 1930s.”

“The documentary examines the geopolitical factors that allowed Hitler to consolidate power following the collapse of the Weimar Republic.”

02a controlling person

C1

n. a very mean or controlling person who acts like a dictator.

n. A derogatory metaphor for a person who is perceived as authoritarian, tyrannical, or excessively controlling.

“My old boss was a total Hitler who watched us every second.”

“The department head was widely regarded as a petty Hitler due to his obsession with minor procedural infractions.”

Informal · Vulgar

Usage

Usually used with an indefinite article ('a Hitler') or as a comparative label.

Teaching tip

This usage is highly offensive and hyperbolic; learners should be aware that using this term can cause significant social friction.

Synonyms

Etymology

Borrowed from German Hitler; see German Etymology for further details.

Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.

This entry

Level
B1 · Intermediate
Frequency
Common
Updated

Scan code

englishreference.com/q/hitler

English Reference