warlord
//ˈwɔːr.lɔːrd//
Noun
warlordSingular
warlordsPlural
1
A military commander who exercises civil power in a region, especially one who rules independently of the central government.
The warlord controlled the entire northern region and refused to obey the central government.
2
A leader of an armed faction or militia, often operating outside legitimate authority.
The warlord controlled the region with his private militia.