noun
- territories or states that are controlled and protected by a more powerful country while maintaining some degree of local government
Usage: plural form of protectorate
Examples
- The British Empire established several protectorates in Africa during the 19th century.
- These protectorates maintained their traditional rulers under British oversight.
- France administered multiple protectorates in Southeast Asia and North Africa.
- The protectorates were expected to follow the foreign policy of their protecting nation.
- Many former protectorates gained full independence after World War II.
- The treaty established two new protectorates along the disputed border region.