praetorian
UK[priːˈtɔːriən]US[priˈtɔriən]
adj
of or relating to a roman praetor or the bodyguard of a roman emperor
adj
often not capitalized: of, relating to, or being a member of a typically corrupt group of officials or guards that maintains power for a leader
Morpheme Breakdown
praetor
ian
praetor
roman magistrate
ian
adjective suffix
Etymology
the term 'praetorian' originates from the latin 'praetor', the title for a high-ranking roman magistrate and military commander. the 'praetorian guard' (cohortes praetoriae) was originally the elite bodyguard for a roman general in the field, later becoming the imperial guard for the emperor in rome. the suffix '-ianus' (english '-ian') is a latin adjectival suffix denoting connection or belonging. over time, the association of the praetorian guard with political intrigue, assassination, and the power to make or break emperors led to the modern figurative sense, describing any powerful, corrupt, and manipulative group serving a leader.
Analysis
Structure: praetor (roman magistrate) + ian (adjective suffix)
praetor: from latin 'praetor', meaning 'leader, magistrate'. in this word, it functions as the core root specifying the roman official.
ian: from latin '-ianus', an adjective-forming suffix meaning 'belonging to, relating to'. in this word, it forms an adjective meaning 'pertaining to a praetor'.
Examples
the emperor's personal security was entrusted to the praetorian guard.
the company's board had developed a praetorian loyalty to the charismatic but reckless ceo.
historians often describe the regime as being protected by a praetorian circle of military officers.