mono·crat
plural -s
Did you know?
In society's search for the best kind of government, the suffix -cracy (which means "form of government" and traces to the Greek kratos, meaning "strength" or "power") has worn many hats. "Monocracy" pairs "-cracy" with a descendant of monos, meaning "alone" or "single." The suffix also underlies other governmental terms including "democracy" ("government by the people"), "aristocracy" ("government by a small privileged class"), "theocracy" ("government by divine guidance"), "ochlocracy" ("government by the mob"), and "gerontocracy" ("rule by elders").
Cite this Entry
“Monocracy.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/monocracy. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
