1. a provincial governor in the ancient Persian Empire
Usage: historical
2. a subordinate ruler or official who acts despotically

Examples

• The Persian king appointed satraps to govern distant provinces.
• Each satrap was responsible for collecting taxes and maintaining order.
• The satrap ruled his territory with absolute authority.
• Ancient satraps often became wealthy and powerful in their own right.
• The corporate executive acted like a satrap in his division.
• Local satraps controlled trade routes throughout the empire.