How Do You Spell OCHLOCRATIC?

Pronunciation: [ˌɒt͡ʃləkɹˈatɪk] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "ochlocratic" may seem complicated, but it follows the conventions of English phonetics. The word is pronounced as /ɒkləˈkrætɪk/ and means "rule by the mob". The initial "o" is pronounced like the "o" in "hot", while the following "ch" sounds like a hard "k". The "cr" in the middle of the word is pronounced like "kr", and the final "atic" sounds like "atik". Despite its obscure spelling, "ochlocratic" remains an important term in political and social discourse.

OCHLOCRATIC Meaning and Definition

1. Ochlocratic is an adjective that refers to the ideology or system of governance known as ochlocracy. Derived from the Greek words "ochlos" meaning "mob" and "kratos" meaning "rule," ochlocratic describes a form of government in which power is held by the mob or the majority, often characterized by a lack of order, reason, or authority.

   In an ochlocratic society, decision-making is typically influenced by the emotions and impulses of the masses, rather than by the wisdom and expertise of leaders or institutions. The mob mentality can often lead to hasty and irrational judgments, as well as the disregard for the rights and well-being of minority groups or individuals.

   Ochlocratic systems often lack the checks and balances that are commonly found in established democracies or other forms of government. They can be susceptible to manipulation and demagoguery, as leaders appeal to the passions and prejudices of the masses to gain and maintain power.

   While the term is most commonly used to criticize or describe a dysfunctional or chaotic form of governance, ochlocratic tendencies can occur in various degrees within any society. It highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between the will of the majority and the protection of minority rights, as well as the necessity of informed and responsible decision-making in a stable and functioning democratic society.

2. Relating to ochlocracy.

   Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Common Misspellings for OCHLOCRATIC

• ichlocratic
• kchlocratic
• lchlocratic
• pchlocratic
• 0chlocratic
• 9chlocratic
• oxhlocratic
• ovhlocratic
• ofhlocratic
• odhlocratic
• ocglocratic
• ocblocratic
• ocnlocratic
• ocjlocratic
• oculocratic
• ocylocratic
• ochkocratic
• ochpocratic
• ochoocratic
• ochlicratic

Etymology of OCHLOCRATIC

The word "ochlocratic" is derived from the Greek roots "ochlos" meaning "mob" or "crowd", and "kratos" meaning "power" or "rule". In ancient Greece, there was a form of government known as "ochlocracy" where power was held by the mob or the majority. It was often considered to be a negative form of governance, characterized by chaos, populism, and the dominance of the uneducated masses. From "ochlocracy", the adjective "ochlocratic" was formed to describe something relating to or characteristic of this form of rule.