-cracy

1. a combining form occurring in loanwords from Greek ( aristocracy; democracy ); on this model used, with the meaning “rule,” “government,” “governing body,” to form abstract nouns from stems of other origin:

   mobocracy; bureaucracy.

-cracy

combining form

1. indicating a type of government or rule See also -crat

   mobocracy

   plutocracy

Word History and Origins

Origin of -cracy¹

< Middle French -cracie (now -cratie ) < Late Latin -cratia < Greek -kratia, equivalent to krát ( os ) rule, strength, might (akin to hard ) + -ia -y ³

Word History and Origins

Origin of -cracy¹

from Greek -kratia, from kratos power