Definition

The actions and practices associated with leaders who control military forces and territories, often outside of formal government authority.

Example

In regions affected by warlordism, local populations often face violence and instability.

Conversation

Have you read about the issues caused by warlordism in some countries?

Yeah, it's really concerning how it affects the local communities.

It makes you realize how important stable leadership is.

Absolutely, without it, people suffer so much.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Warlordism is formed from "warlord" (a compound of "war" from Old English *werre*, meaning conflict or battle, and "lord" from Old English *hlaford*, meaning a master or ruler) and the suffix "-ism" (meaning a practice or ideology). The term refers to a system or practice characterized by the rule of warlords, often in a context of conflict and power struggles.

Memory Tip

Think of 'war' as conflict and 'lord' as a ruler — 'warlordism' describes a system where rulers are defined by their power in conflict.

Visually Confused Words