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voivode

voivode

9.9
A person who governs a region and leads its army in Eastern Europe
  • noun
  • /ˈvɔɪvoʊd/
translation icon : voivoda
  • The voivode ruled the province with an iron fist.

Examples

  • The king appointed a trusted voivode to govern the border province.

  • Several voivodes gathered to discuss the region's security.

  • The voivode issued new laws to strengthen the region's defenses.

  • In medieval times, a voivode often led both the army and the administration.

  • The voivode of the region called for an emergency meeting to address the invading forces.

  • As the voivode, he had the authority to command the military and govern the local populace.

  • The historical accounts depict the voivode as a fierce leader who defended his territory from enemies.

Synonyms

military governor
vsvoivode
  • Formal
3 6.7

A person in charge of a place after an army takes control

is a regional leader with military role but not specifically an occupying administrator
guvnor
vsvoivode
  • Slang
1 9.9

A person in charge at work who makes decisions

is a formal official leading a region, not just an informal boss
vicegerent
vsvoivode
  • Formal
1 9.9

A person who rules a place for a king or queen when they are away

is a regional leader who governs territory, not merely a ruler's deputy
stadtholder
vsvoivode
  • Archaic
9.9

A chief governor and army leader of the old Dutch Republic

is a provincial governor rather than the national head of state
nomarch
vsvoivode
  • Formal
9.9

An elected or appointed governor of a Greek region who leads local government

is a regional leader who also commands military forces

Surface Forms

voivode singular
voivodes plural

Etymology

The word voivode comes from old Slavic parts: voi meaning 'army' and voda meaning 'to lead'. So a voivode was originally an 'army leader', which is why the word now means a governor or military leader of a region.