junta

American  

[hoon-tuh, juhn‑, huhn‑] / ˈhʊn tə, ˈdʒʌn‑, ˈhʌn‑ /

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.

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junta British  

/ 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

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junta Cultural  

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

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Pronunciation

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.

Etymology

Origin of junta

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

Example Sentences

Myanmar’s junta has started rationing fuel for private cars, while Thailand has suspended some fuel exports.

From The Wall Street Journal

The junta in Myanmar has started rationing fuel for private cars, while Pakistan directed some government employees to work from home and said it is planning to close schools for two weeks.

From The Wall Street Journal

AFP reporters in Yangon have seen queues outside some petrol stations and restrictions on the amount of fuel sold to each driver, but the junta has only allowed modest price hikes so far.

From Barron's

In recent days, Myanmar’s junta launched a rationing system for cars, while Thailand suspended some fuel exports.

From The Wall Street Journal

Media monitors have criticised the junta for weaponising the legislation to muzzle journalists and social media users critical of their takeover.

From Barron's

Related Words

• faction
• government