overlord

Feudal power holder

An overlord is a ruler who holds power over other rulers or lords—a supreme authority in a hierarchy of control.

The term evokes feudal systems where lesser nobles owed allegiance to a greater one.

In modern use, overlord often appears ironically or in fantasy contexts: Our new robot overlords, She appointed herself overlord of the office coffee supply.

The word suggests dominion that is absolute and possibly tyrannical.

feudal

liege

Feudal superior or subject

vassalLand-holding sworn subordinate
fiefGranted feudal estate
serfdomFeudal bound labor

manor · fealty · homage · demesne · suzerain · nobility · knight · peasantry · steward · seneschal

tyrant

despot

Ruler with absolute power

dictatorRuler with total control
oppressorOne who dominates cruelly
autocratSole wielder of power

subjugation · oppression · totalitarian · authoritarian · usurper · tyranny · cruelty · domination · coercion · intimidation

ruler

sovereign

Supreme in power

monarchHereditary supreme ruler
emperorMale ruler of empire
kingMale crowned ruler

potentate · chieftain · warlord · regent · throne · reign · dominion · kingdom · dynasty · crown

supreme

omnipotent

Having boundless power

almightyHaving complete power
absoluteTotal, without qualification
godlikeResembling a deity

divine · transcendent · invincible · unrivaled · preeminent · ultimate · celestial · eternal · immortal · omniscient

gaming

boss

Workplace superior

final bossLast major enemy
villainWicked story antagonist
minionServile subordinate

henchman · lair · dungeon · raid · enemy · antagonist · level · respawn · defeat · strategy

overlord

liege

despot

sovereign

omnipotent

boss

overlord

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