praetorian Definition
- 1relating to or characteristic of the Praetorian Guard, a special unit of the Roman army that served as the bodyguard of the Roman emperors
- 2loyal or influential supporters of an organization or leader
Using praetorian: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "praetorian" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The praetorian guard was established by Augustus in 27 BC.
Example
The company's praetorian investors have a significant say in its decision-making process.
Example
He surrounded himself with a praetorian circle of advisors.
praetorian Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for praetorian
- loyalists
- supporters
- bodyguards
- protectors
Phrases with praetorian
a special unit of the Roman army that served as the bodyguard of the Roman emperors
Example
The Praetorian Guard was disbanded by Emperor Constantine in AD 312.
the practice of surrounding oneself with loyal or influential supporters
Example
The president's praetorianism has been criticized for limiting diverse perspectives in his administration.
a company whose major investors hold significant power and influence over its decisions
Example
The tech giant has become a praetorian company, with its major investors dictating its direction.
Origins of praetorian
from Latin 'praetorius', meaning 'of a praetor'
Summary: praetorian in Brief
The term 'praetorian' [priːˈtɔːriən] refers to two distinct meanings. First, it relates to the Praetorian Guard, a special unit of the Roman army that served as the bodyguard of the Roman emperors. Second, it describes loyal or influential supporters of an organization or leader. Examples include 'The praetorian guard was established by Augustus in 27 BC.' and 'The company's praetorian investors have a significant say in its decision-making process.'
