noun
gerontocracy
jeh-run-TOK-ruh-see
Gerontocracy (noun) means Government by elders, or by elderly rulers. Example: “Critics described the regime as a gerontocracy because its leaders were all very old.”
noun
1
Government by elders, or by elderly rulers.
"Critics described the regime as a gerontocracy because its leaders were all very old."
"A gerontocracy can be slow to accept new ideas."
"Some societies have been described as gerontocracies."
How to use gerontocracy
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishRule by old people.
When to use it
It is a formal term, often used critically in political commentary.
Easily confused with
gerontology
Common pairings
ruled by a gerontocracy
a political gerontocracy
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Critics described the regime as a _____ because its leaders were all very old.
Etymology
The word is formed from geronto- and -cracy, which come from Ancient Greek.
Rhymes for gerontocracy
See all rhymes for gerontocracy →Frequently asked questions
What does gerontocracy mean?
It means government by elders, or by elderly rulers.
Where does the word gerontocracy come from?
It is built from two parts, geronto- and -cracy, and both trace back to Ancient Greek.
What is the plural of gerontocracy?
The plural is gerontocracies.
What is the meaning of gerontocracy?
"gerontocracy" (noun) means government by elders, or by elderly rulers.
