protectorate
noun
pro·tec·tor·ate
prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət 
1
a
: government by a protector
b
capitalized
: the government of England (1653–59) under the Cromwells
c
: the rank, office, or period of rule of a protector
2
a
: the relationship of superior authority assumed by one power or state over a dependent one
b
: the dependent political unit or territory in such a relationship
Examples of protectorate in a Sentence
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France had claimed the island as a protectorate, in 1842; by the time Gauguin arrived, the bamboo buildings in the capital, Papeete, had been replaced by travesties of brick and iron.
—
Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
When such protectorates were unable to repay their debts, European states would enforce payment by taking control of national treasuries; when protectorates were unwilling to trade, European states would compel them to open their ports.
—Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
And a string of protectorates along the Arabian Peninsula remained under British control all the way until 1971, reinforcing the old colonial boundaries long after other forces had begun to reshape the region.
—Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
Determined to gain at least suzerainty over the island – which would have made Haiti a protectorate of France – Louis XVIII rebuked the two commissioners Boyer sent to Paris in 1824 to try to negotiate an indemnity in exchange for recognition.
—Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protectorate
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Alexandra Schwartz, New Yorker, 11 July 2025
When such protectorates were unable to repay their debts, European states would enforce payment by taking control of national treasuries; when protectorates were unwilling to trade, European states would compel them to open their ports.
—Branko Milanovic, Foreign Affairs, 21 June 2022
And a string of protectorates along the Arabian Peninsula remained under British control all the way until 1971, reinforcing the old colonial boundaries long after other forces had begun to reshape the region.
—Marc Lynch, Foreign Affairs, 22 Feb. 2022
Determined to gain at least suzerainty over the island – which would have made Haiti a protectorate of France – Louis XVIII rebuked the two commissioners Boyer sent to Paris in 1824 to try to negotiate an indemnity in exchange for recognition.
—Marlene L. Daut, The Conversation, 16 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for protectorate
Cite this Entry
“Protectorate.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/protectorate. Accessed 29 Jul. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
protectorate
noun
pro·tec·tor·ate
prə-ˈtek-t(ə-)rət
1
a
: government by a protector
b
: the office or period of rule of a protector
2
: a small country ruled by a larger one
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