Democracy

/dɪˈmɒkrəsi/

Meaning & Definition

noun
A system of government in which the citizens exercise power directly or elect representatives from among themselves to make laws and policies.
The country transitioned from a dictatorship to a democracy after the revolution.
A situation in which people are treated equally and have equal rights in political decisions.
In a true democracy, all citizens should have a voice in the electoral process.
A political or social unit that is governed democratically.
The city council operates as a democracy, allowing residents to vote on important issues.

Etymology

From Middle French 'démocratie', from Latin 'democratia', from Ancient Greek 'δημοκρατία' (dēmokratía), meaning 'rule by the people'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

direct democracy:
A form of democracy in which people decide on policy initiatives directly.
representative democracy:
A type of democracy in which elected officials represent a group of people.
liberal democracy:
A form of democracy that emphasizes the protection of individual rights and freedoms.

Related Words

Slang Meanings

Democrazy
When the election results were announced, everyone joked about living in a 'democrazy' for the next four years.
Demo
We are organizing a demo to promote the values of democracy.