How Do You Spell DUVALIER?

Pronunciation: [djˈuːvɐliə] (IPA)

The correct spelling of the word "duvalier" is Doo-vall-ee-ay, with stress on the second syllable. This is pronounced as /duː.væˈljɛər/ in IPA phonetic transcription. Note that the "u" next to "v" is pronounced as "w" sound, and the "i" before "er" is pronounced as "ee" sound. The word refers to the surname of a Haitian political family, which gained notoriety during the dictatorship of François Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude Duvalier.

DUVALIER Meaning and Definition

1. Duvalier refers to the surname of an influential political family in Haiti, particularly associated with the regime of François "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier. However, the term "Duvalier" is often used colloquially to refer specifically to the dictatorial rule of the Duvalier dynasty in Haiti between 1957 and 1986.

   François Duvalier, also known as Papa Doc, came to power in Haiti in 1957 through a fraudulent election and established a brutal dictatorship that lasted until his death in 1971. During his presidency, Duvalier ruled with an iron fist, maintaining control through the Tonton Macoutes, a paramilitary force known for its terror and brutality against political opponents. His presidency was characterized by authoritarian and despotic rule, corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses.

   Following Papa Doc's death, his son Jean-Claude Duvalier, nicknamed Baby Doc, assumed power at the age of 19. While initially seen as a possible change from his father's oppressive regime, Baby Doc continued many of the same policies, perpetuating a climate of fear and repression. His presidency was marked by widespread corruption, economic decline, human rights violations, and a growing resistance movement against his rule.

   In summary, the term "Duvalier" primarily refers to the oppressive and authoritarian rule of the Duvalier dynasty in Haiti, characterized by political repression, corruption, economic mismanagement, and human rights abuses.

Common Misspellings for DUVALIER

• dusslier
• dealier
• duavlier
• luvalier
• vivanier
• eulaliee
• Duvellier
• Duvaller
• divalcor

Etymology of DUVALIER

The word "Duvalier" is a surname that originated in Haiti. It is most commonly associated with the infamous political dynasty led by François "Papa Doc" Duvalier and his son Jean-Claude "Baby Doc" Duvalier.

The name "Duvalier" is of French origin. It is believed to be a variation of the French surname "Duval", which comes from the Old Norse name "Dufvaldr". "Dufvaldr" is a combination of the words "dúfa", meaning "dove", and "valdr", meaning "ruler" or "power". This suggests that "Duvalier" may have originally signified "ruler of doves" or "powerful like a dove".