machthebber

Dutch

Etymology

From macht +‎ hebben +‎ -er.

Pronunciation

  • Audio:(file)
  • Hyphenation: macht‧heb‧ber

Noun

machthebber m (plural machthebbers, diminutive machthebbertje n)

  1. someone who holds power
    Onderhandelingen met de lokale machthebber liepen op niets uit. ― Negotiations with the local man in charge proved futile.

Usage notes

  • This word can be used for democratically elected (and appreciated) leaders, but has a somewhat negative connotation because it is more often associated with dictators and warlords.
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