Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

caudillo

noun

/kɔːˈdiːjoʊ/

Definition

A military or political leader in Spain or Spanish-speaking countries.

Examples

During the Spanish Civil War, the term ‘caudillo’ was prominent in reference to Francisco Franco.
Many caudillos in Latin America gained power through revolutions or coups.
The caudillo’s influence was evident in the government policies he implemented.

Meaning

The term ‘caudillo’ is used to describe a leader, particularly one who is authoritarian and often has a military background. It can refer to both military leaders and political figures, and is commonly associated with the leaders of Spanish-speaking countries during the 20th century.