Dictionary.com
definitions
  • synonyms

autarky

or au·tar·chy

[aw-tahr-kee]
noun, plural au·tar·kies.
  1. the condition of self-sufficiency, especially economic, as applied to a nation.
  2. a national policy of economic independence.
Show More

Origin of autarky

1610–20; < Greek autárkeia, equivalent to aut- aut- + arke- suffice + -ia -ia
Related formsau·tar·kic, au·tar·ki·cal, adjectiveau·tar·ki·cal·ly, adverbau·tar·kist, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
British Dictionary definitions for autarky

autarky

noun plural -kies
  1. (esp of a political unit) a system or policy of economic self-sufficiency aimed at removing the need for imports
  2. an economically self-sufficient country
Show More
Derived Formsautarkic, adjectiveautarkist, noun

Word Origin

C17: from Greek autarkeia, from autarkēs self-sufficient, from auto- + arkein to suffice
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for autarky

n.

1610s, "self-sufficiency," from Greek autarkeia "sufficiency in oneself, independence," from autarkes "self-sufficient, having enough, independent of others" (also used of countries), from autos "self" (see auto-) + arkein "to ward off, keep off," also "to be strong enough, sufficient," from PIE root *ark- "to hold, contain, guard" (see arcane). From a different Greek source than autarchy, and thus the spelling. As a term in international economics, prominent late 1930s. Related: Autarkic.

Show More
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper