Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

conquistador

noun

kon-kis-tah-dor

Definition

A Spanish or Portuguese soldier, explorer, or adventurer who worked to conquer and colonize territories in the Americas during the 15th to the 17th centuries.

Examples

The conquistador Hernán Cortés is known for leading the expedition that caused the fall of the Aztec Empire.
Many conquistadors claimed lands and riches for Spain, often at the expense of indigenous populations.
Some conquistadors were motivated by a desire for adventure and fame, leading them to undertake perilous journeys.

Meaning

The term refers specifically to individuals who were involved in the Spanish conquest of the Aztec and Inca empires, among other territories, often seeking wealth and glory.