prussian
adj.adj. relating to a powerful historical state in northern Germany known for its strong military and strict discipline.
adj. relating to the former kingdom of Prussia or its inhabitants, often associated with a culture of rigid discipline and military efficiency. Typically used attributively to describe historical figures, military styles, or a specific shade of blue.
He wore a dark Prussian blue coat.
The general was known for his Prussian discipline, demanding absolute obedience from every soldier in his command.
Historians often debate the extent to which Prussian militarism influenced the eventual unification of Germany under the leadership of Otto von Bismarck in the late nineteenth century.
From Prussia + -an.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Frequently used in the fixed phrase 'Prussian blue' to describe a deep pigment. When used to describe a person's behavior, it implies a stern or highly disciplined nature.
Last updated May 7, 2026