bureaucrat
UK: ˈbjʊərəkræt | US: ˈbjʊrəkræt
n. an official in a government or organization, especially one who follows rules rigidly or excessively
n. a member of a bureaucracy, often perceived as inflexible or administrative
bureau<desk/office> + crat<ruler>
- bureau: From French bureau (desk, office), originally meaning "woolen cloth" (used to cover desks), later extended to mean the office itself.
- crat: From Greek -kratēs (ruler), derived from kratos (power, strength). Combined, it denotes someone who holds power within an administrative system.
Etymology Origin:
The term bureaucrat emerged in early 19th-century French (bureaucrate), blending bureau (office) and -crate (ruler). It reflects the rise of centralized administrative systems, where officials wielded power through rigid organizational structures. The word carries a neutral-to-negative connotation, often implying excessive adherence to rules.
The bureaucrat delayed the permit approval due to missing paperwork.
She worked as a bureaucrat in the tax department for decades.
Critics argue that bureaucrats stifle innovation with red tape.
The reform aimed to reduce the power of unelected bureaucrats.
He became frustrated with the bureaucrat’s inflexible attitude.