democracy

de-moc-ra-cy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A system of government in which power is held by the people, who exercise it directly or through elected representatives.

  2. 2.

    A country or state governed by democratic principles.

  3. 3.

    Control of an organization by the majority of its members.

  4. 4.

    The practice or principles of social equality.

Related words

Antonyms: autocracy, dictatorship, totalitarianism, tyranny
See also: democrat, democratic, government, republic
Synonyms: representative government, republic, self-government

Etymology

From Greek demokratia, from demos (the people) + kratos (power, rule). The term originated in ancient Athens, where citizens directly participated in government. Entered English in the 16th century through French and Latin.