Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

imperator

noun

/ɪmˈpɪr.ə.tər/

Definition

A title used in ancient Rome to denote a commander or leader, particularly one who had gained authority through military prowess.

Examples

Julius Caesar was declared imperator after his conquest of Gaul.
The title imperator was later adopted by the Roman emperors as a measure of their supreme authority.

Meaning

The term ‘imperator’ comes from Latin and was used to signify a general or ruler who had achieved a significant military victory. Over time, it evolved to refer to emperors in the Roman Empire.