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.

kleptocracy

/ ˌklɛpˈtɒkrəsɪ /

noun

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

Other Words From

• klep·to·crat [klep, -t, uh, -krat], noun
• klep·to·crat·ic [klep-t, uh, -, krat, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of kleptocracy¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of kleptocracy¹

C20: from klepto ( mania ) + -cracy

Example Sentences

But if Trump wins, it will be clear that the U.S. is really moving toward an autocratic, cronyistic kleptocracy that will impoverish and weaken us as a nation.

From Salon

The Swiss attorney general’s office noted last year that “the U.S. Department of Justice described the affair as ‘the largest kleptocracy case to date.’”

From Seattle Times

Kennedy suggested Tuesday that Shanahan would help him fight “the corporate kleptocracy” and government regulators who had become mere “sock puppets” for corporate America.

From Los Angeles Times

In reality, he was punished for daring to oppose and expose Russia’s ruling kleptocracy.

From Seattle Times

The United States has said the 1MDB case was its largest ever kleptocracy investigation.

From Reuters