apparatchik

[ ah-puh-rah-chik; Russian uh-puh-raht-chyik ]

noun

, plural ap·pa·rat·chiks; Russian ap·pa·rat·chi·ki [uh-puh-, raht, -chyi-kyee].

1. a member of an apparat, especially in a Communist country.

apparatchik

/ ˌæpəˈrɑːtʃɪk /

noun

1. a member of a Communist apparat
2. an official or bureaucrat in any organization

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparatchik¹

1940–45; < Russian apparátchik, equivalent to apparát apparat + -chik agent suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of apparatchik¹

C20 from Russian, from apparat apparatus, instrument + -ckik , suffix denoting agent

Example Sentences

“More and more Hezbollah is looking like a purely Iran-aligned apparatchik, as opposed to a locally ingrained Lebanese party,” Daou said.

From Los Angeles Times

The Democrat in the race is Curtis Hertel Jr., a former Whitmer apparatchik and the son of a former Michigan House speaker.

From Slate

Until February, Mr. Magyar, a Fidesz member for more than two decades, was just another Orban apparatchik.

From New York Times

Like Ben Houchen on Teesside, Andy Street had campaigned as his own man, not a party apparatchik.

From BBC

A strongman apparatchik accused of multiple human rights abuses.

From New York Times