Nepotism
WordNet
noun
(1) Favoritism shown to relatives or close friends by those in power (as by giving them jobs)
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From < , a reference to the practice of popes appointing relatives (most often nephews) as cardinals during the Middle Ages and Renaissance.
Noun
- The favoring of relatives or personal friends because of their relationship rather than because of their abilities.
- Nepotism can get you very far in the world if you've got the right connections.
- 2006 Financial Times
- Mr Chen - a member of the national politburo as well as the Shanghai boss - is accused of nepotism and corruption on a grand scale: protecting political allies, granting preferment to his family and looting Shanghai's pension fund.