'democracy' originates from Greek, specifically the word 'dēmokratia,' where 'dēmos' meant 'people' and 'kratos' meant 'power' or 'rule.'

'dēmokratia' transformed into the Latin word 'democratia,' and eventually became the modern English word 'democracy' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'rule by the people,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.