junta

/ˈdʒʌntə/

/ˈdʒʊntə/

Other forms: juntas

When a government is overthrown, the coalition or group that forms and takes control is called a junta. If the military has seized control, as so often happens, then the group is called a military junta.

Junta is pronounced with an initial h sound, which gives you a clue to its origins. It’s from the Spanish junta, for a military or political group ruling the country after it has been taken over. Spanish got junta from the Latin jungere, to join. Remember, all the players in the junta must join together to overthrow the government.

Definitions of junta

1. noun

   a group of military officers who rule a country after seizing power
   synonyms: military junta

   type of:

   camp, clique, coterie, ingroup, inner circle, pack

   an exclusive circle of people with a common purpose