noun
oligarch
AH-luh-gark/ˈɑːləɡɑːrk/
A powerful member of a small, wealthy group that controls a country.
The oligarch meets a politician in an elegant office overlooking the city.
Etymology
“Few” and “rule” describe one of a small group holding political power. The selected sense focuses on a very wealthy person within that powerful circle, preserving the connection between elite membership and political influence.
In context
the oligarch that pays all the corporate [ __ ] off in the dnc
More examples
- A handful of oligarchs control the country's banks and government.
- The oligarch uses his fortune to keep loyal politicians in power.
- New laws threaten the oligarchs' control over the nation's oil industry.
Forms
oligarch · oligarchs
oligarchy noun — Government controlled by a small, powerful group.
oligarchic adjective — Relating to rule by a powerful few.
Similar words
- plutocrat
- Emphasizes power derived from wealth rather than membership in a ruling few.
- magnate
- Has great business power but need not control government.