Hussein

IPA/hˈʌsiːn/
KK[husˈen]IPA/huːsˈeɪn/

Hussein — biographical name

1. the fifth president of Iraq, from 1979 to 2003, whose rule was marked by wars wi

1.biographical nameB2
Definition

the fifth president of Iraq, from 1979 to 2003, whose rule was marked by wars with Iran and Kuwait, harsh government control, and who was later captured by US-led forces, tried, and executed in 2006

Example

Saddam Hussein was the president of Iraq for more than twenty years.

full name + title used in historical reference

Hassan's grandfather told him stories about life in Iraq during Hussein's rule.

Usage Note

Frequently used with the full name 'Saddam Hussein' in formal or historical writing. The surname 'Hussein' alone is common in news headlines and possessive constructions ('Hussein's regime'). Distinguish from King Hussein of Jordan (1935–1999), a different historical figure.

Common Mistakes

Hussein was a king of Iraq.
Hussein was the president of Iraq.
Iraq was a republic under Saddam Hussein; he was not a monarch.
Saddam Hussein ruled Jordan.
Saddam Hussein ruled Iraq.
He was president of Iraq, not Jordan.

Etymology

ArabicEnglish

The name 'Hussein' comes from Arabic 'حسين' (Ḥusayn), a diminutive of 'حسن' (Ḥasan) meaning 'good' or 'beautiful'. It was the name of an important figure in early Islamic history — Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. The modern political figure Saddam Hussein (full name Saddam Hussein al-Tikriti) brought the name to global attention in the late 20th century.