'autarky' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'autarkeia,' where 'auto-' meant 'self' and 'arkein' meant 'to suffice.'

'autarkeia' transformed into the Latin word 'autarchia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'autarky' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'self-sufficiency,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.