1. provincial governors in ancient Persia who ruled with great authority
Usage: historical
2. subordinate rulers or officials who exercise authority in a despotic manner
Usage: often derogatory

Examples

• The Persian Empire was divided into provinces ruled by satraps.
• Darius appointed loyal satraps to govern the distant territories.
• The satraps collected taxes and maintained order in their regions.
• Modern dictators often rely on satraps to control local populations.
• The corporate satraps enforced the CEO’s policies without question.
• Ancient satraps wielded enormous power over their subjects.