1. a leader, especially a tyrannical one
Usage: from German
2. the title used by Adolf Hitler as the leader of Nazi Germany
Usage: historical; often capitalized

Examples

• The documentary examined the rise of the fuehrer in 1930s Germany.
• Hitler proclaimed himself fuehrer after President Hindenburg’s death.
• The term fuehrer has become synonymous with authoritarian leadership.
• Many Germans initially supported their fuehrer before understanding his true nature.
• The fuehrer’s propaganda machine controlled all media in Nazi Germany.
• History books detail the fuehrer’s role in starting World War II.