hierarchist
|hi-er-ar-chist|
🇺🇸
/ˈhaɪəˌrɑrkɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˈhaɪəˌrɑːkɪst/
supporter of ranks
Etymology
'hierarchist' originates from English, formed from 'hierarchy' + the agent suffix '-ist'. 'hierarchy' itself originates from Greek 'hierarkhia', where 'hier-'/'hieros' meant 'sacred' and 'arkhē/arkhos' meant 'rule' or 'leader'.
'hierarchist' was formed in modern English by adding the suffix '-ist' to the noun 'hierarchy'. 'hierarchy' passed into English via Medieval Latin 'hierarchia' and Old French 'hierarchie' from Greek 'hierarkhia'.
Initially, the root referred to 'sacred rule' or 'rule by priests' in Greek, but over time the sense broadened to mean any system of ranked authority; 'hierarchist' came to mean a supporter or proponent of such ranked systems.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a person who supports, prefers, or advocates a system of ranks or graded authority (a belief in strict hierarchical order).
The hierarchist argued that strict ranks were necessary for organizational efficiency.
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Noun 2
(rare) A member or supporter of a religious or clerical hierarchy — someone who upholds clerical or ecclesiastical rank and authority.
Historically, a hierarchist within the church defended the privileges of higher clergy.
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Last updated: 2025/10/31 17:55