Death Eater

Noun

Death Eater (plural Death Eaters)

1. (Harry-Potter) A member of a group of dark wizards led by Voldemort.
   • “The Death Eaters,” whispered Hermione.
     “What?”
     “Voldemort’s followers,” said Ron quietly. “I mean, I think that’s who they were...”2000, J. K. Rowling, chapter 9, in Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
   • “You see, Narcissa, though we are talking about the Dark Lord’s innermost circle of Death Eaters—Bellatrix has always preferred to believe herself the only one who matters...”2005, J. K. Rowling, chapter 2, in Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince
2. (broadly, derogatory, figuratively) A fanatical henchman or follower of an evil leader.
   • Like the “Death Eaters,” of Harry Potter lore, who try to conquer the wizard world by terrorizing and killing, these economic wrecking crews operate in a realm where ordinary laws do not apply.2009 March 1, Frank Rich, “Has a ‘Death Eater’ Stolen Our Future?”, in The New York Times
   • These are the bureaucratic Death Eaters. They are dedicated to the proposition that the agency they are being appointed to run has no constitutional right to exist...2017 January 24, Charles P. Pierce, “The Trump Administration Is Filled with Intellectual Death Eaters”, in Esquire