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kleptocracy

 - 2 dictionary results

klep⋅toc⋅ra⋅cy

[klep-tok-ruh-see]
–noun, plural ‑cies.
a government or state in which those in power exploit national resources and steal; rule by a thief or thieves.

Origin:
1815–20; klepto- (comb. form of Gk kléptēs thief) + -cracy


klep⋅to⋅crat [klep-tuh-krat] , noun
klep⋅to⋅crat⋅ic [klep-tuh-krat-ik] , adjective
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2010.
Cite This Source Link To kleptocracy
klep·toc·ra·cy   (klěp-tŏk'rə-sē)   
n.   pl. klep·toc·ra·cies
A government characterized by rampant greed and corruption.

[Greek kleptein, to steal + -cracy.]
klep'to·crat' (-tə-krāt') n., klep'to·crat'ic adj.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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