overlord
n. countablen. a powerful person who has control or authority over many others. You often hear this word in history stories or in science fiction when talking about a cruel leader.
n. a person of great power or authority who exercises control over others, especially in a feudal or hierarchical system. Often carries a connotation of absolute or oppressive rule.
The local people had to pay taxes to their new overlord.
In many fantasy novels, a dark overlord attempts to conquer the surrounding kingdoms through military force.
The historical transition from local tribal leaders to a centralized overlord often involved complex shifts in land ownership and legal jurisdiction.
Often used metaphorically in modern contexts to describe dominant corporations or tech giants.