democratization

UK: dɪˌmɒkrətaɪˈzeɪʃən | US: dɪˌmɑːkrətəˈzeɪʃən

Definition

  1. n. the process of making a system, organization, or country more democratic by increasing participation, equality, or representation.

Structure
demo <people>crat <rule>ization <process of making>
Etymology

The word "democratization" combines three morphemes:

  1. "Demo" derives from Greek dēmos (people), central to terms like "democracy" (rule by the people).
  2. "Crat" comes from Greek -kratia (power/rule), seen in words like "aristocracy" (rule by the elite).
  3. "-ization" is a suffix of Latin origin (-izare via French), indicating a process (e.g., "modernization").
    The term emerged in the 19th century, reflecting political shifts toward broader governance participation. Its structure logically mirrors the transition ("-ization") to systems where the people ("demo-") hold power ("-crat").
Examples

  1. The democratization of education has enabled more people to attend university.

  2. Social media played a key role in the democratization of information.

  3. Historians debate the pace of democratization in post-colonial nations.

  4. Technology accelerates the democratization of creative tools.

  5. The movement advocated for the democratization of workplace decision-making.