antiemperor
|an-ti-em-pe-ror|
🇺🇸
/ˌæn.tiˈɛm.pɚ.ɚ/
🇬🇧
/ˌæn.tiˈɛm.pə/
against the emperor
Etymology
'antiemperor' is a modern compound formed from the prefix 'anti-' and the noun 'emperor'; 'anti-' originates from Greek 'anti' meaning 'against', and 'emperor' ultimately derives from Latin 'imperator'.
'emperor' comes from Latin 'imperator' (a commander or ruler), passed into Old French as 'empereor/empereur' and Middle English as 'emperour' before becoming modern English 'emperor'. The prefix 'anti-' was borrowed into English from Greek via Latin and Old French and is used productively to form oppositional compounds like 'anti-...'. The compound 'antiemperor' is therefore a relatively recent English formation combining these elements.
Initially the elements simply meant 'against' + 'emperor' (i.e., opposed to the emperor); over time, usage can broaden to refer either to general opponents of imperial rule or specifically to rival claimants who assert imperial titles.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person or group that opposes the authority or rule of an emperor; an opponent of imperial authority.
The protesters called themselves antiemperor activists and demanded a curtailing of the monarch's powers.
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Noun 2
a rival claimant who asserts or claims an imperial title in opposition to the recognized emperor (analogous to 'antipope' in papal contexts).
During the civil war a local warlord styled himself an antiemperor and gathered followers.
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Adjective 1
opposed to the emperor or to imperial rule; used to describe policies, movements, or sentiments that resist an emperor's authority.
The group adopted an antiemperor stance, publishing leaflets that criticized imperial policy.
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Last updated: 2025/08/31 11:19