robber baron
(chiefly, US, idiomatic, usually, derogatory) Especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a business tycoon who had great wealth and influence but whose methods were morally questionable and ofte
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(chiefly, US, idiomatic, usually, derogatory) Especially in the 19th and early 20th centuries, a business tycoon who had great wealth and influence but whose methods were morally questionable and often unethical.
An early operator in the field, Ivy Lee, is reported to have changed the image of John D. Rockefeller from robber baron to philanthropic old gentleman who loved to play golf and hand out shiny coins to children.
“Those oligarchs don’t care if government is trashed because they cash in. Reducing poverty and inequality also benefits the rich but isn’t as easy as robber baron capitalism.”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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(historical) In Europe, an aristocrat who charged exorbitant fees or otherwise exacted money from people who journeyed across land or waterways which he controlled.
Still sails the Robber Baron’s yacht in sunny Southern seas. Daily she jams her nose ashore, and daily takes on and puts off a fresh cargo of telegraph dispatches; and he who is idling for his liver's sake knows every night the tale of W…
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Semantically related
- baron65%
(by extension) A person of great power in society, especially in business and politics.
- booze baron61%
(USA) A person who organised the illegal production and sale of alcohol during a Prohibition.
- booze baron60%
A prominent owner of a large-scale alcohol supply enterprise.
- beer baron59%
(USA) Somebody who organises the illegal production and sale of beer during a time of Prohibition.