PoliticsJuly 13, 2026

viceroy

/ˈvaɪsrɔɪ/

Definition

A person who exercises authority in a foreign territory on behalf of a sovereign ruler or government.

Etymology

Derived from the Old French 'vice-' meaning 'in place of' and 'roi' meaning 'king.' It entered English in the 16th century to describe colonial governors appointed by a monarch.

In the news

The article uses 'viceroy' to describe Marco Rubio's immense, direct control over Venezuelan state affairs from Washington, acting as an American overseer of a foreign nation.

How Marco Rubio Is Running Venezuela From Afar

Read the full article ↗

The New York Times

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