junta

[hoon-tuh, juhn‑, huhn‑]

noun

1. a small group ruling a country, especially immediately after a coup d'état and before a legally constituted government has been instituted.

2. a council.

3. a deliberative or administrative council, especially in Spain and Latin America.

4. junto.

junta

/ ˈdʒʊntə, ˈhʊntə, ˈdʒʌn- /

noun

1. a group of military officers holding the power in a country, esp after a coup d'état

2. Also called: junto. a small group of men; cabal, faction, or clique

3. a legislative or executive council in some parts of Latin America

junta

1. A group of military leaders who govern a country after a coup d'état.

Pronunciation Note

When the word junta was borrowed into English from Spanish in the early 17th century, its pronunciation was thoroughly Anglicized to . The 20th century has seen the emergence and, especially in North America, the gradual predominance of the pronunciation , derived from Spanish through reassociation with the word's Spanish origins. A hybrid form is also heard.

Word History and Origins

Origin of junta¹

1615–25; < Spanish: a meeting, noun use of feminine of Latin junctus, past participle of jungere to join; junction

Word History and Origins

Origin of junta¹

C17: from Spanish: council, from Latin junctus joined, from jungere to _join

Example Sentences

In response to a worsening Islamist insurgency, the junta stopped working with the former colonial power, France, and instead turned to Russia for military assistance.

From BBC

However, advanced drones and military technology supplied by China and Russia have given the junta a new edge on the battlefield, according to analysts.

From BBC

It is a refrain often used by Malian officials since the junta seized power five years ago.

From BBC

The spate of attacks is a major blow to the credibility of Niger's military junta, as it promised to curb the insurgency when it took power after deposing President Mohamed Bazoum in 2023.

From BBC

After the military coup of March 1976, the junta moved to eradicate the opposition.

From BBC

Related Words

• faction 
• government