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Overlord vs Warlord - What's the difference?

overlord | warlord |

As nouns the difference between overlord and warlord

is that overlord is a ruler of other rulers while warlord is a high military officer in a warlike nation.

overlord

English

Noun

(en noun)
  • A ruler of other rulers.
    • The various tribal chieftains met each spring to elect an overlord that would lead them in time of war.
  • Anyone with overarching power or authority in a given domain.
    • The crusty old professor was overlord of the history department, and few dared to cross his will.
  • *

    • Usage notes

    * The second sense frequently carries negative connotations; calling one an overlord can imply tyranny or authoritarianism.

    Derived terms

    * overlordship

    warlord

    English

    (wikipedia warlord)

    Noun

    (en noun)
  • A high military officer in a warlike nation.
  • A local ruler or bandit leader usually where the government is weak.

    • Related terms

    * lord * war

    Derived terms

    * warlording