The term "tsar" historically means an emperor or supreme monarch, particularly used for rulers of Russia from 1547 until the early 20th century. It originated as a Slavic form of the Latin word "caesar," which means emperor. The tsar was the autocratic ruler of Russia, with the title often symbolizing absolute power. The last Russian tsar was overthrown in 1917 during the Russian Revolution. In modern usage, "tsar" (sometimes spelled "czar") can also refer to a person appointed by a government with special powers to handle a specific issue or policy, such as a "drug tsar" or "climate tsar." Summary:
- Originally a title for Russian emperors (monarchs with supreme power).
- Derived from Latin "caesar," meaning emperor.
- Used officially in Russia from 1547 until 1721 (when rulers took the title emperor but tsar remained common).
- Last Russian tsar was Nicholas II, overthrown in 1917.
- Used metaphorically for powerful government officials managing specific programs today.
