praetorian
/priˈtɔriən/
noun
- A member of a group that acts as a powerful, often corrupt, protector of a leader or institution.
- The dictator's praetorians ensured that no one could challenge his authority.
- In the corporate world, the CEO's praetorians quickly silenced any dissent in the boardroom.
- The political party's praetorians controlled access to the candidate and managed all media appearances.
- A soldier in the Praetorian Guard of ancient Rome.
- The praetorians often chose which candidate would become the next Roman emperor.
- A praetorian could earn more money and enjoy better privileges than a regular legionary.
- After serving for sixteen years, a praetorian received a generous pension and land.
adjective
- Relating to a group of people who use their power to protect a leader or organization, often in a corrupt or self-serving way.
- In the company, a praetorian culture developed where insiders protected each other from outside scrutiny.
- The CEO surrounded himself with a praetorian guard of loyal executives who never questioned his decisions.
- Some critics say the security team has become a praetorian force that answers only to the president.
- Relating to the Praetorian Guard, the elite bodyguard of ancient Roman emperors.
- The praetorian soldiers were known for their loyalty to the emperor and their influence in Roman politics.
- The praetorian barracks were located just outside the walls of Rome.
- Historians study the praetorian cohorts to understand how military power shaped the Roman Empire.