BharatNotes Satrap
nounUsage in a UPSC answer
When provincial party chieftains function less as accountable public servants and more as entrenched satraps, dispensing patronage and brooking no dissent, the federal spirit of the Constitution is quietly hollowed out from within.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
satrapy (n), satrapies (n pl), satrapal (adj)
Root
Old Persian xšaçapāvan = protector of the province; xšaça = realm; pāvan = protector; via Greek satrapēs and Latin satrapes
Etymology
From Latin satrapes, from Greek satrapēs (σατράπης), borrowed from Old Persian xšaçapāvan ("protector of the province"), combining xšaça ("realm") and pāvan ("protector").
Memory Hook
Read it as "SAT-RAP": a SATrap who SAT atop a province and took the RAP (blame or tribute) for the Persian king — a delegated ruler answerable to a higher throne.
Tip: press Alt+S to hear pronunciation
