# warlord

/ˈwɔɹˌɫɔɹd/ (US) · /wˈɔːlɔːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/warlord
Updated: 2026-05-08

## Definition

a powerful leader who controls a specific area using their own private army. This person usually rules by force rather than by law, often in a country where the central government is weak.

For teachers: a military commander who exercises civil and military power over a region, typically due to the absence of a strong central authority. Often implies the use of private militias and a lack of formal legal legitimacy.

## Examples

- The local warlord controlled all the trade routes in the province.
- After the central government collapsed, several warlords began fighting each other for control of the capital city.
- The peace treaty was difficult to enforce because it required the cooperation of various regional warlords who benefited financially from the ongoing instability.

## Usage notes

- Often used in political science and history to describe leaders in failed states or during civil wars.

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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.