anachronism

[uh-nak-ruh-niz-uhm]

noun

1. something or someone that is not in its correct historical or chronological time, especially a thing or person that belongs to an earlier time.

   The sword is an anachronism in modern warfare.

2. an error in chronology in which a person, object, event, etc., is assigned a date or period other than the correct one.

   To assign Michelangelo to the 14th century is an anachronism.

anachronism

/ əˈnækrəˌnɪzəm /

noun

1. the representation of an event, person, or thing in a historical context in which it could not have occurred or existed

2. a person or thing that belongs or seems to belong to another time

   she regards the Church as an anachronism

Other Word Forms

• anachronistically adverb
• anachronistic adjective
• anachronically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of anachronism¹

1640–50; < Latin anachronismus < Greek anachronismós a wrong time reference, equivalent to anachron ( ízein ) to make a wrong time reference ( ana-, chron-, -ize ) + -ismos -ism

Word History and Origins

Origin of anachronism¹

C17: from Latin anachronismus, from Greek anakhronismos a mistake in chronology, from anakhronizein to err in a time reference, from _ana- + khronos time

Example Sentences

Their opposition to transportation projects and other infrastructure, though supposedly grounded in Jeffersonian principle, was a roundabout way of retarding industrial development and ensuring that slavery did not become an economic anachronism.

From Salon

These anachronisms and inequities are further exacerbated by the unaccountable malefactors of the wealthiest classes, who are able to thwart any fundamental reforms that might weaken the popular urge for a radical or totalitarian solution.

From Salon

Israel is in some ways an anachronism in that 20th-century trajectory.

From Salon

Some people do not get the Lions and call it an anachronism and an unimportant exhibition.

From BBC

Andy Cooke, chief inspector of constabulary, said the current police funding formula was "an anachronism".

From BBC