ochlocracy

noun

och·loc·ra·cy ä-ˈklä-krə-sē

: government by the mob : mob rule

ochlocrat

ˈä-klə-ˌkrat

noun

ochlocratic

ˌä-klə-ˈkra-tik

adjective

or ochlocratical

ˌä-klə-ˈkra-ti-kəl

Examples of ochlocracy in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

More commonly, ochlocracy functions through the legitimate organs of the state or through other entities, such as businesses and professional associations. —

Kevin D. Williamson, National Review, 6 June 2019

Word History

Etymology

Greek & Middle French; Middle French ochlocratie, from Greek ochlokratia, from ochlos mob + -kratia -cracy

First Known Use

1594, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of ochlocracy was in 1594

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Ochlocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/ochlocracy. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Copy Citation

Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Can you solve 4 words at once?

Word of the Day

lenient

Listen to the pronunciation of lenient

See Definitions and Examples »

Get Word of the Day daily email!