Definition

1. Noun:
   • A person who holds power and influence because of their wealth: A plutocrat is someone whose political or social power derives primarily from their great personal wealth, often implying they use this wealth to control or significantly affect government, policy, or society.

Usage

• The term is typically used in political, economic, or sociological contexts to describe individuals or a class of extremely wealthy people who are perceived to wield disproportionate power.
• It often carries a critical or negative connotation, suggesting that power is unduly concentrated in the hands of the rich.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The new policy seemed to benefit only the plutocrats who funded the campaign.
  • Critics accused the government of being run by a small group of plutocrats.
  • In the late 19th century, industrial plutocrats held immense power in American society.

Advanced Usage

• "Plutocratic" (adjective): Describing a system, government, or society that is ruled or dominated by the wealthy.
  • The country was moving toward a more plutocratic system where money dictated political outcomes.
• "Plutocracy" (noun): The system or government in which power is held by the wealthy.
  • Many feared the nation was becoming a plutocracy rather than a democracy.

Variants and Related Words

• Plutocracy (n): A state or society governed by the wealthy.
• Plutocratic (adj): Relating to or characteristic of a plutocrat or plutocracy.

Synonyms

• Tycoon: A wealthy, powerful person in business or industry.
• Magnate: A wealthy and influential person, especially in business.
• Oligarch: A member of a small group of people having control of a country or organization, often due to wealth (this term is closely related but can imply a specific, often post-Soviet context).

Antonyms

• Pauper: A very poor person.
• Proletarian: A member of the working class.

Idioms and Phrases

• While there are no common idioms using the exact word "plutocrat," the concept is central to phrases like:
  • "Power of the purse": Influence or control exercised through financial means.
  • "Rule by the rich": A direct description of plutocracy.

Noun

1. someone who exercises power by virtue of wealth