anarchic
Americanadjective
-
of, like, or tending to anarchy.
-
advocating anarchy.
-
not regulated by law; lawless.
Anarchic bands pillaged the countryside.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of anarchic
First recorded in 1780–90; either from French anarchique or anarch(y) + -ic
Explanation
Something that's anarchic is out of control or extremely disorganized. An anarchic classroom has no rules — it most likely has no teacher, either. Wars and political conflicts are frequently described as anarchic, particularly if they appear to be lawless and chaotic. Any situation that's lacking structure or rules can be called anarchic, like a wild, sugar-fueled birthday party or an anarchic swarm of gulls attacking a plate of French fries on a picnic table. The Greek root word is anarkhos, "without head or chief."
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Anarchic excess is just not this guy’s strong suit.
From Los Angeles Times • Nov. 21, 2022
Anarchic lyricist Richey Edwards, who along with bass player Nicky Wire had been the chief songwriter behind their most recent and most iconoclastic album, 1994's The Holy Bible, was suddenly missing.
From BBC • Sep. 10, 2021
Anarchic, leaderless movements are lovable, but as the rock-throwers multiply, they bring disaster.
From Washington Post • Jul. 28, 2020
Anarchic yet pristine, Mr. Zorn’s music is like a firecracker explosion in which the arc of each of hundreds of sparks is precisely mapped.
From New York Times • May 20, 2015
His wisdom, and brave ARTHUR-HECTOR's force, May yet prove vain if no auxiliar hand Help yon Anarchic legions to withstand.
From Punch, or the London Charivari, Volume 101, December 5, 1891 by Various
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
