oligarchy

[ ol-i-gahr-kee ]

noun

, plural ol·i·gar·chies.

1. a form of government in which all power is vested in a few persons or in a dominant class or clique; government by the few.
2. a state or organization so ruled.
3. the persons or class so ruling.

oligarchy

/ ˈɒlɪˌɡɑːkɪ /

noun

1. government by a small group of people
2. a state or organization so governed
3. a small body of individuals ruling such a state
4. a small clique of private citizens who exert a strong influence on government

oligarchy

1. A system of government in which power is held by a small group.

Derived Forms

• ˌoliˈgarchically, adverb
• ˌoliˈgarchic, adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligarchy¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Medieval Latin oligarchia, from Greek oligarchía. See olig-, -archy

Word History and Origins

Origin of oligarchy¹

C16: via Medieval Latin from Greek oligarkhia, from olígos few + -archy

Example Sentences

Later he adds, “Fascism is good for business if you toe the line. Popular podcasts became tribal and divisive years ago. Now they may be in the position to become part of the media oligarchy under the new anti-democratic government.”

From Salon

One cogent critic of capitalism ended a column in mid-October this way: “Pick your poison. Destruction by corporate power or destruction by oligarchy. The end result is the same. That is what the two ruling parties offer in November. Nothing else.”

From Salon

“It is an American oligarchy that can be formed here.”

From Los Angeles Times

So it was deeply concerning to hear Steele say that, if Trump wins, a Putin-esque “oligarchy is what might come to America.”

From Salon

That sort of oligarchy is what might come to America if Trump were to be re-elected.

From Salon

Related Words

• authoritarianism
• autocracy
• coercion
• cruelty
• despotism
• domination
• oppression
• terrorism
• totalitarianism