machthebber
Dutch
Pronunciation
Audio (file) - Hyphenation: macht‧heb‧ber
Noun
machthebber m (plural machthebbers, diminutive machthebbertje n)
- someone who holds power
- Onderhandelingen met de lokale machthebber liepen op niets uit.
- Negotations with the local man in charge proved futile.
- Onderhandelingen met de lokale machthebber liepen op niets uit.
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.