Word of the Day: Kakistocracy

kak·is·toc·ra·cy

[kak-uh-stok-ruh-see] 

noun, plural kak·is·toc·ra·cies.
 

government by the worst persons; a form of government in which the worst persons are in power.

 

Origin:
1820–30;  < Greek kákisto ( s ), superlative of kakós  bad + -cracy

Related forms

ka·kis·to·crat·i·cal    [kuh-kis-tuh-krat-i-kuh], adjective

 

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Word Origin & History

kakistocracy

1829, “government by the worst element of a society,” coined on analogy of aristocracy from Gk. kakistos “worst,” superl. of kakos “bad” (which is perhaps related to the general IE word for “defecate”) + -kratia “rule of,” from kratos “strength, power, rule” (see -cracy). 

 

Further definitions and Examples of this word in Context +