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modern-day janissary

modern-day janissary

9.9
A loyal person who enforces a leader's orders
  • noun
  • /ˈmɒdərn deɪ ˈdʒænɪsəri/
  • Literature
translation icon : janisario contemporáneo
  • Many regarded him as a modern-day janissary, fiercely loyal to the company’s CEO.

Examples

  • In the political party, she was seen as a modern-day janissary for her unwavering enforcement of the leader’s policies.

  • The organization relied on several modern-day janissaries to maintain order within its ranks.

  • He is a true modern-day janissary for the corporation.

  • Many view her as a modern-day janissary of the political party.

  • In the political party, she was seen as a modern-day janissary for her unwavering enforcement of the leader's policies.

  • Many regarded him as a modern-day janissary, fiercely loyal to the company's CEO.

  • The organization relied on several modern-day janissaries to maintain order within its ranks.

Synonyms

janissary
vsmodern-day janissary
9.9

A loyal follower who supports a leader or cause no matter what

serves as an active disciplined enforcer for a powerful group rather than a follower

Antonyms

658 3.6

A person who acts against the government or people in power

How Loyal

modern-day janissary
  • Literature
9.9
enforcer
  • NSFW
27 7.2
henchman
14 7.9
supporter
817 1.0
follower
295 1.6
sympathizer
37 4.8

Surface Forms

Morphology

modern-day + janissary

The compound straightforwardly combines 'modern-day' (contemporary) with 'janissary' (a devoted supporter/enforcer), so the core meaning 'a contemporary devoted supporter or enforcer' can be directly inferred from the parts. Although the historical/humorous connotations of 'janissary' add nuance about loyalty and discipline, a learner who knows both constituents will readily derive the intended meaning.

Etymology

Modern-day janissary comes from the old soldiers called Janissaries, who were specially trained to be the ruler's own men and to obey orders without question. So today calling someone a modern-day janissary means they act like a very loyal 'supporter' or 'enforcer' for a leader or organization.