A male ruler of an empire, usually holding power over many countries or peoples. His position is often inherited and considered higher than that of a king.
From Old French 'emperere,' from Latin 'imperator' meaning 'commander, ruler,' from 'imperare' (to command), from 'im-' (in) + 'parare' (to prepare, order). In Rome, 'imperator' was originally a title given to victorious generals. It later became a title for supreme rulers.
An emperor is, at root, 'the commander'—someone whose orders shape whole regions. The word reminds us that empires began as military projects, not just political ones. Even today, 'imperial' power carries a shadow of marching armies behind it.
“Emperor” is a male‑gendered title tied to imperial rule, often excluding women from formal sovereign power even where they exercised influence behind the scenes. Female rulers were often given different titles or framed as exceptions.
Use “emperor” only where historically accurate; for general references to rulers, consider gender‑neutral terms like “sovereign” or “monarch.”
["monarch","sovereign","ruler"]
Women have ruled empires as regents, co‑rulers, or de facto leaders even when denied the title of emperor; naming them can correct male‑only imperial narratives.
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