Ex-ruler

An ex-ruler is an individual who previously held sovereign power or supreme authority over a territory, country, or group of people but no longer does. This loss of power can occur through various means, including abdication, defeat in war, removal by coup, death (and succession), or constitutional changes limiting their authority. The title signifies a past role of significant influence, command, and responsibility. Their experiences often shape their later lives, and their legacy can endure in history, culture, and the political landscape of their former domain.

Ex-ruler meaning with examples

• Following the revolution, the ex-ruler of the kingdom found himself stripped of his vast wealth and forced into exile. He watched helplessly as his former advisors and generals were brought before the new courts of justice. The weight of his past decisions, and a life spent among power and luxury, now left him restless and alone in a foreign land.
• The former dictator, an ex-ruler infamous for his human rights abuses, lived quietly in hiding, constantly fearing arrest and extradition. His past still hung over him, and his conscience weighed heavy due to his horrific acts. The current government wanted his capture to answer for the war crimes he'd committed while he still held absolute power.
• After abdicating the throne, the ex-ruler dedicated himself to philanthropic work, using his vast fortune to improve education and healthcare in developing countries. His efforts to make up for past mistakes now helped bring his name back to the public eye as a charitable person, not the former king who imposed unjust laws in the past.
• The historians meticulously researched the reign of the ex-ruler, sifting through primary sources to understand his impact on society and the reasons behind his eventual downfall. The accounts brought to light his political failures, and it caused many to believe the man was not as influential as once said.
• In the new political landscape, the ex-ruler's influence still lingered, with some factions still supporting his policies, creating instability and uncertainty. This former ruler was often looked upon as a source of potential unrest. Many wondered if he would attempt to retake his power.