lording
Ruling over others
Lording is acting superior or domineering over others, wielding authority in an overbearing way: He's always lording his seniority over the newer employees.
The phrase lord it over is the standard construction: She lorded it over everyone once she got promoted.
The word captures not just exercising power but flaunting it.
Aggressive repeated intimidation
- overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
- tyrannicalExercising power unjustly
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
- high-handedDomineering without regard for others
dictatorial · bossy · condescending · patronizing · browbeating · hectoring · oppressive · despotic
Disdainfully proud
- arrogantExcessively high self-regard
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- self-importantExaggerating one's own significance
- snobbishCondescending toward perceived inferiors
uppity · high-and-mighty · smug · grandiose · vainglorious · preening · strutting · posturing
Governing principle or standard
- dominionAuthority to rule
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- governanceHow authority is exercised
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
command · power · supremacy · sway · reign · mastery · control · oversight
bullying
Aggressive repeated intimidation
- overbearingArrogantly dominating in manner
- tyrannicalExercising power unjustly
- imperiousArrogantly authoritative
high-handed · dictatorial · bossy · condescending · patronizing · browbeating · hectoring · oppressive · despotic · autocratic
haughty
Disdainfully proud
- arrogantExcessively high self-regard
- superciliousArrogantly contemptuous of others
- self-importantExaggerating one's own significance
snobbish · uppity · high-and-mighty · smug · grandiose · vainglorious · preening · strutting · posturing · airs
rule
Governing principle or standard
- dominionAuthority to rule
- sovereigntySupreme independent authority
- governanceHow authority is exercised
jurisdiction · command · power · supremacy · sway · reign · mastery · control · oversight · mandate
duke
Highest-ranking nobleman
marquess · peerage · aristocrat · gentry · patrician · blueblood · ladyship · coronet · noblesse · seigneur
vassal
Land-holding sworn subordinate
serfdom · demesne · homage · suzerainty · fiefdom · peasant · tithe · bailiff · seneschal · reeve
lordingdeferring
Postponing or yielding respectfully
submitting · kowtowing · groveling · serving · obeying
lordingself-effacing
Downplaying one's own importance
deferring · meek · humble · modest · unassuming
- lording overBehaving as master
lord, landlord, lordly, warlord, lordship, overlord, lordliness, lordless