Kleptocracy
/ˌklɛpˈtɒk.rə.si/noun
A government or ruling system in which leaders use their power to steal public wealth.
Did you know?Kleptocracy is a modern learned coinage built from Greek roots, and its power comes from the same ancient word family that gave English “kleptomaniac,” linking theft to compulsion and state power.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Gk
kleptēs
“a thief”
Ancient Greek
Gk
kratos
“power, rule, strength”
19th Century
English
kleptocracy
“rule by thieves; government by those who steal”
Modern English
English
kleptocracy
“a political system dominated by theft and corruption”
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