Darth Vader en · NOUN
Pronunciation
- därthʹ vāʹdər (UK)
- (US) audio
- /ˈdɑː(ɹ)θ ˈveɪ.də(ɹ)/ (UK)
Etymology
"Darth" is a blend of dark + death (the derivation from Dark Lord of the Sith is a later development). "Vader" is traditionally explained as being from Dutch vader (“father”). However, the idea of Vader's fatherhood was only developed for The Empire Strikes Back (after the character was introduced), making this improbable. It is more likely a shortening of invader or from the surname Vader.
Meanings
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A powerful individual or force, particularly one that is seen as malevolent, dominating and threatening.
Irabu had hired Nomura, a man with whom he obviously had a great deal in common, and, who, as we have seen, was rapidly becoming the Darth Vader of Japanese baseball.
2004, Robert Whiting, The Meaning of Ichiro: The New Wave from Japan and the Transformation of Our National Pastime, page 130:In two different speeches the vice president called Malone, alternately “the Darth Vader of the cable industry,” and “[the man who runs] the cable Cosa Nostra.”
1998, Jon Lewis, The New American Cinema, page 108:Bush's missile shield plan positions him as Darth Vader.
2003, Marleen S. Barr, Envisioning the Future: Science Fiction and the Next Millennium, page xvii:Commonly assumed to exert massive effects on the electorate, political spots (notably negative ones) have been teasingly called the Darth Vader of modern politics...
2002, James Price Dillard, Michael Pfau, The Persuasion Handbook: the Persuasion Handbook (c): Developments in Theory and Practice, page 611:
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(UK, informal) A British Rail Class 460 train.
When the new GEX stock (Darth Vaders!!) are in service, and the inevitable happens and they break down, EWS will no doubt trundle along to rescue it
1999 September 17, gl1, “Gatwick Express New Stock Nose Cones”, in uk.transport.london (Usenet):Is there not also a degree of commonality with the Darth Vader units of Gatwick Express, which are likely to join the Southern fleet when (if) the GatEx franchise is terminated?
2006 February 11, Tony Polson, “First Capital Connect want more 319s from Southern”, in uk.railway (Usenet):With the streamlined cabs of the other reused driving cars being replaced with conventional cabs with gangway connections, the striking Darth Vaders will no longer be seen in service.
2016 April 15, Hugh Llewelyn, EMUs A History, Amberley Publishing Limited, →ISBN:What was modified so that 73s could haul (or push) and heat air-con stock on Gatwick Express (pre Darth Vader) - the locos or the coaches?
2005 January 5, Peter Masson, “What future for the MK3's?”, in uk.railway (Usenet):
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Darth Vaders | Number=Plur | lexicographic |