kleptocracy

[ klep-tok-ruh-see ]

noun,plural klep·toc·ra·cies.
  1. a government or state in which those in power exploit national resources and steal; rule by a thief or thieves.

Origin of kleptocracy

1
1815–20; klepto- (combining form of Greek kléptēs thief) + -cracy

Other words from kleptocracy

  • klep·to·crat [klep-tuh-krat], /ˈklɛp təˌkræt/, noun
  • klep·to·crat·ic [klep-tuh-krat-ik], /ˌklɛp təˈkræt ɪk/, adjective

Words Nearby kleptocracy

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use kleptocracy in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for kleptocracy

kleptocracy

cleptocracy

/ (ˌklɛpˈtɒkrəsɪ) /


nounplural -cies
  1. informal a government where officials are politically corrupt and financially self-interested

Origin of kleptocracy

1
C20: from klepto (mania) + -cracy

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