democracy

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A system of government in which people choose their leaders by voting.

   In a democracy, every citizen has the right to vote.

2. 2
   noun

   A country that is governed by its people through elections.

   South Africa became a democracy in 1994.

3. 3
   noun

   The belief in political freedom and equality among people.

   They fought hard for democracy and equal rights.

From Middle French democratie (French démocratie), from Medieval Latin dēmocratia, from Ancient Greek δημοκρᾰτῐ́ᾱ (dēmokrătĭ́ā). By surface analysis, demo- (“people”) + -cracy (“rule”).

Topics