robber baron
(historical) In Europe, an aristocrat who charged exorbitant fees or otherwise exacted money from people who journeyed across land or waterways which he controlled.
Definitions
(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…
Comments
(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
Comments
Have a better definition?
Add your own interpretation of "robber baron".
🗺️About Regional & Other slang
Regional slang from around the English-speaking world — British, Australian, Irish, Caribbean, Nigerian, Filipino, AAVE, and the hyphenated-English dialects that make the internet sound local.
See all Regional & Other slang on Slangora.
Tags
Other words near "robber baron" (R)
Browse all slang words starting with R.
Related terms
People also read
Semantically related
- 61%
(by extension) A person of great power in society, especially in business and politics.
- 58%
One possessing similar mastery over others; (historical) any feudal superior generally; any nobleman or aristocrat; any chief, prince, or sovereign ruler; in Scotland, a male member of the lowest rank of nobility (the equivalent rank in England is baron).
- 57%
The male ruler of a barony.
- 55%
(USA) A person who organised the illegal production and sale of alcohol during a Prohibition.