myrmidon
Unquestioning loyal subordinate
A myrmidon is a loyal follower who carries out orders without question, especially when those orders involve force or intimidation.
The term comes from Greek mythology, where the Myrmidons were fierce warriors who followed Achilles into battle at Troy.
In modern use, myrmidon typically carries negative connotations, suggesting someone who blindly serves a powerful person or institution: The dictator's myrmidons silenced any opposition.
The word often appears in contexts involving hired enforcers or unthinking subordinates.
One who supports another
- loyalistFaithful supporter of authority
- devoteeZealous admirer or follower
- adherentLoyal supporter of something
- subordinateOne lower in rank
servant · vassal · compliance · subservience · unquestioning · blind · dutiful · faithful
Greek hero, mortal heel
- IliadAncient Greek war epic
- HomerAncient Greek epic composer
- TrojanOf an ancient walled city
- GreekOf Athenian origin
Patroclus · Thessaly · Zeus · ant · transformation · Hector · Agamemnon · Troy
follower
One who supports another
- loyalistFaithful supporter of authority
- devoteeZealous admirer or follower
- adherentLoyal supporter of something
subordinate · servant · vassal · compliance · subservience · unquestioning · blind · dutiful · faithful · loyal
Achilles
Greek hero, mortal heel
Patroclus · Greek · Thessaly · Zeus · ant · transformation · Hector · Agamemnon · Troy · epic
minion
Servile subordinate
goon · thug · operative · hireling · flunky · stooge · crony · agent · retainer · sidekick
soldier
Armed forces member
- mercenarySoldier fighting for pay
- combatantOne who fights
- legionnaireSoldier in a legion
infantry · spearman · centurion · trooper · swordsman · phalanx · battalion · regiment · army · fighter
myrmidonleader
One who guides others
commander · boss · chief · mastermind · overlord
myrmidonfreethinker
Rejects doctrine for reason
dissenter · conscientious objector · rebel · dissident · nonconformist