democracy

[dih-mok-ruh-see]

noun

plural

democracies 

1. government by the people; a form of government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised directly by them or by their elected agents under a free electoral system.

2. a state having such a form of government.

   The United States and Canada are democracies.

3. a state of society characterized by formal equality of rights and privileges.

4. political or social equality; democratic spirit.

5. the common people of a community as distinguished from any privileged class; the common people with respect to their political power.

democracy

/ dɪˈmɒkrəsɪ /

noun

1. government by the people or their elected representatives

2. a political or social unit governed ultimately by all its members

3. the practice or spirit of social equality

4. a social condition of classlessness and equality

5. the common people, esp as a political force

democracy

1. A system of government in which power is vested in the people, who rule either directly or through freely elected representatives.

Democratic institutions, such as parliaments, may exist in a monarchy. Such constitutional monarchies as Britain, Canada, and Sweden are generally counted as democracies in practice.

Other Word Forms

• antidemocracy noun
• nondemocracy noun
• predemocracy noun
• prodemocracy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of democracy¹

First recorded in 1525–35; from Middle French démocratie, from Late Latin dēmocratia, from Greek dēmokratía “popular government,” equivalent to dēmo- demo- + -kratia -cracy

Word History and Origins

Origin of democracy¹

C16: from French démocratie, from Late Latin dēmocratia, from Greek dēmokratia government by the people; see _demo- , _-cracy

Example Sentences

“We only keep democracy alive, is all. Is it worth it? Well, ask the Cincinnati city council — a third of ‘em, indicted on bribery charges today thanks to our reporting.”

From Salon

The Brennan Center for Justice describes the law as “an American tradition that sees military interference in civilian affairs as a threat to both democracy and personal liberty.”

From Salon

The way harsh US tariffs have pushed India, the world's biggest democracy, so quickly into the warm embrace of China, the world's biggest autocracy, will also be of concern.

From BBC

Without judicial oversight and ethical military commanders willing to resist unconstitutional orders, nothing prevents the establishment of a national police force that would fundamentally transform American democracy into an authoritarian system.

From Los Angeles Times

“We played the jukebox while democracy fell,” Price sings, while the bartender yells that it’s last call and you’re still crying in your beer.

From Salon

Related Words

• equality 
• freedom 
• justice 

When To Use

What is democracy?

Democracy is a system of government where the citizens of a state exercise power to rule the state, either directly or through electing representatives.