Majoritarianism
Etymology
Built from "majority" (via French "majorité," from Latin "major," greater) plus "-arian" and "-ism." The compound is a modern political-science term, sharpened in twentieth-century debates over whether democracy means simply majority rule or something more constrained.
noun · /muh-JOR-i-TAIR-ee-uh-niz-uhm/
The principle that the numerical majority of a population is entitled to decide, and that its will should prevail.
What it names
A specific claim about legitimacy — bare majority rule — separate from the broader ideal of democracy, which may also protect minorities and rights.
Example
Critics warned the referendum was pure majoritarianism, with nothing to stop fifty-one percent from stripping the rest of their rights.
Related idea
Distinguish from democracy proper, which majoritarianism narrows to a single rule; when unchecked it slides toward tyranny of the majority, the danger a majoritarian system does nothing to prevent.