machthebber

Dutch

Etymology

From macht +‎ hebben +‎ -er.

Pronunciation

• Audio:

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• Hyphenation: macht‧heb‧ber

Noun

machthebber m (plural machthebbers, diminutive machthebbertje n)

1. someone who holds power

   Onderhandelingen met de lokale machthebber liepen op niets uit. ― Negotiations with the local man in charge proved futile.

Usage notes

• This word can be used for democratically elected (and appreciated) leaders, but has a somewhat negative connotation because it is more often associated with dictators and warlords.