antiestablishment

American  

[an-tee-i-stab-lish-muhnt, an-tahy-] / ˌæn ti ɪˈstæb lɪʃ mənt, ˌæn taɪ- /

adjective

1. opposed to or working against the existing power structure or mores, as of society or government.

   Antiestablishment candidates promised to disband the army, Congress, and the cabinet if elected.

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Etymology

Origin of antiestablishment

First recorded in 1955–60; anti- + establishment

Example Sentences

“The culture is antiestablishment and he’s acting like he’s part of the establishment,” said Rachel Janfaza, founder of The Up and Up, a nonpartisan research firm focused on Gen Z.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 9, 2026

He admires the antiestablishment lifestyle embraced by the canyon’s rock stars too.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 22, 2023

Who knows why everyone showed up, or why so many of them brought banners, but some of the fervor was just sheer irreverence, the antiestablishment joy of rooting for a team that was so awful.

From New York Times • Mar. 27, 2019

Like many rock stars of his generation, Norman was proudly antiestablishment, which meant that the increasing popularity of his chosen field presented something of an existential crisis.

From The New Yorker • Sep. 17, 2018

Cinema is not lacking for stories about fathers whose antiestablishment lifestyles are threatened or questioned when their children reach a certain age.

From Washington Times • Jun. 26, 2018