1 B2 idiomatic informal
To exercise authority or superiority over others in an arrogant, overbearing way.
"He used his family's wealth to lord over the other kids in the neighbourhood."
inseparable
lord over
B2 informal inseparable transitive
To dominate or act in a superior, arrogant manner over others.
In plain English
You act like you are the boss of everyone and treat people like they are below you.
What does "lord over" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To act as a lord ruling over subjects.
Actually means
You act like you are the boss of everyone and treat people like they are below you.
Usage tip
Functionally synonymous with 'lord it over' but slightly less idiomatic. Both are used critically of arrogant behaviour. More common in American English than 'lord it over.'
Words that pair with "lord over"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
others people subordinates colleagues employees
How to conjugate "lord over"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
lord over
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lords over
he/she/it
Past simple
lorded over
yesterday
Past participle
lorded over
have + pp
-ing form
lording over
continuous
Hear "lord over" in the wild
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Other ways to say "lord over"
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