gerontocracy — a form of government in which old people have the most power and control
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: a form of government in which old people have the most power and control
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˌdʒerənˈtɑːkrəsi/
Example Sentences
- The tech company's gerontocracy was challenged when young entrepreneurs started their own startups.
- "This family dinner feels like a gerontocracy," joked the teenager as grandparents made all the decisions.
- The senator criticized the gerontocracy, arguing that younger voices needed representation.
gerontocracy
NOUN[/ˌdʒerənˈtɑːkrəsi/]
a form of government in which old people have the most power and control
The ancient senate proves a true gerontocracy — grey-bearded elders decide everything while youth wait outside.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Ancient Greek, combining 'geron' meaning 'old man' and 'kratia' meaning 'rule or power.' It literally describes a government ruled by elderly people, like the ancient councils of elders.
Breakdown
geron- (old man/elder) + -cracy (rule/government)
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The tech company's gerontocracy was challenged when young entrepreneurs started their own startups.”
“"This family dinner feels like a gerontocracy," joked the teenager as grandparents made all the decisions.”
“The senator criticized the gerontocracy, arguing that younger voices needed representation.”
“The chess club had become such a gerontocracy that college students felt intimidated to join.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
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