Standard Lemma guide

suzerainty

noun · 5 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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  • /ˈs(j)uz(ə)ɹənti/
  • /ˈs(j)uzəˌɹeɪ̯nti/
  • Southern-England: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

noun

Meaning 1

A relation between states in which a subservient nation has its own government, but is unable to take international action independent of the superior state.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • under suzerainty to

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: suzerainship

Antonyms: none provided

2

noun

Meaning 2

A similar relationship between other entities.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

Examples

  • She was tired of living under suzerainty to her parents.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

noun

Meaning 3

The status or power of a suzerain.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: countable, uncountable

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

4

noun

Meaning 4

the domain of a suzerain

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: domain, demesne, land

5

noun

Meaning 5

the position or authority of a suzerain

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • under the suzerainty of...

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: dominion, rule

History

Etymology

From Middle English suserente, from Old French suserenete, equivalent to suzerain + -ty.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Chinese Mandarin: 宗主權 /宗主权 (zōngzhǔquán) — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Finnish: vasallisuhde — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • French: suzeraineté — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Old French: suserenete — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • German: Oberhoheit — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • German: Oberherrschaft — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • German: Suzeränität — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Irish: ardfhlaitheas — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Irish: ardtiarnas — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Japanese: 宗主権 (sōshuken) — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Korean: 종주권 (jongjugwon) — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Portuguese: suserania — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
  • Russian: сюзерените́т (sjuzerenitét) — relation between a superior state and a subservient state
Real reading context

suzerainty in complete knowledge articles

Achaemenid Macedonia History & culture · Advanced · 4 uses Hundred Years' War, 1369–1389 Language & communication · Challenging · 3 uses