caudillo
“caudillo” means “strongman leader” in Spanish (a charismatic political or military leader with absolute power).
strongman leader
Also: chief, warlord
📝 In Action
Simón Bolívar fue un famoso caudillo de la independencia sudamericana.
B1Simón Bolívar was a famous leader of South American independence.
El país cayó bajo el mando de un caudillo militar tras el golpe de Estado.
B2The country fell under the command of a military strongman after the coup.
Muchos historiadores analizan el impacto del caudillo en la cultura política.
C1Many historians analyze the impact of the strongman leader on political culture.
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✏️ Quick Practice
Quick Quiz: caudillo
Question 1 of 3
Which of these people is most likely to be called a 'caudillo'?
📚 More Resources
👥 Word Family▼
📚 Etymology▼
Comes from the Latin word 'capitellum', which means 'little head' or the top part of a column. It evolved to mean the 'head' or leader of a group.
First recorded: 13th century
Cognates (Related words)
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is 'caudillo' a compliment?
It depends on the context. In a historical sense, it can be neutral or even heroic (like for Bolívar). In modern politics, it often suggests a dictator or someone who ignores democratic rules.
Can I use 'caudillo' for a woman?
Yes, you can use 'la caudilla,' but it is quite rare because the term is so tied to historical military roles which were traditionally held by men.
What is 'caudillismo'?
It's a political phenomenon common in 19th-century Latin America where power was held by local strongmen rather than formal government institutions.