kleptocracy

[ klep-tok-ruh-see ]
/ klɛpˈtɒk rə si /

noun, plural klep·toc·ra·cies.

a government or state in which those in power exploit national resources and steal; rule by a thief or thieves.

Origin of kleptocracy

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

OTHER WORDS FROM kleptocracy

klep·to·crat [klep-tuh-krat] /ˈklɛp təˌkræt/, noun klep·to·crat·ic [klep-tuh-krat-ik] /ˌklɛp təˈkræt ɪk/, adjective

Words nearby kleptocracy

kleist, klemperer, kleopatra, klepht, klepto, kleptocracy, kleptocrat, kleptocratic, kleptomania, kleptomaniac, klesha

British Dictionary definitions for kleptocratic (1 of 2)

kleptocratic
/ (ˌklɛptəʊˈkrætɪk) /

adjective

(of a government, state, etc) characterized by corruption amongst those in power

British Dictionary definitions for kleptocratic (2 of 2)

kleptocracy

cleptocracy

/ (ˌklɛpˈtɒkrəsɪ) /

noun plural -cies

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

Word Origin for kleptocracy

C20: from klepto ( mania) + -cracy