Oligarchs

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. A member of a small group that holds significant power and influence within a government or organization; an individual from a wealthy elite class that benefits economically from political connections; a person who participates in the governance of a state along with a few others, often leading to policies that favor their interests over the common good
2. An influential individual belonging to a privileged ruling class that influences political decisions; a wealthy person who manipulates politics to preserve their wealth and authority; a key actor in governance shared among a few powerful elites with a strong focus on self-interest
3. Someone who is part of a select few exercising control over political and economic structures; a rich elite whose financial power affects policy-making; an individual sharing governance with a limited circle of powerful figures, often prioritizing their own gains

Etymology: The plural "oligarchs" is simply the plural of "oligarch," so the history lies in the singular. It arrived in English by way of French "oligarque," which in turn came from Late Latin "oligarcha," borrowed from the Ancient Greek "oligárkhēs." The Greek compound joins "oligos," meaning "few," with "-arkhēs," meaning "ruler" or "leader," so the word literally names someone who rules a small group. The Greek root "arkhein" (to rule) also gives us "monarch" and "anarchy," which share that same ruling element. The sense of "few rulers" was in place from the start: the word described a form of government in which power sits with a small group rather than with one person or the many. The modern sense of wealthy, self-interested power brokers developed later, when the word was applied to individuals who used their money and influence to shape politics.

Synonyms: tycoons, barons, magnates