anarchism
Americannoun
-
a doctrine urging the abolition of government or governmental restraint as the indispensable condition for full social and political liberty.
-
the methods or practices of anarchists, as the use of violence to undermine government.
noun
-
political theory a doctrine advocating the abolition of government
-
the principles or practice of anarchists
Discover More
Anarchy is sometimes used to refer to any state of chaos or lawlessness.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of anarchism
Compare meaning
How does anarchism compare to similar and commonly confused words? Explore the most common comparisons:
Explanation
If you're a proponent of anarchism, you believe in a political system that does away with all government. Someone who favors anarchism can be described as an anarchist, a person who places the most political importance on individual freedom, especially from powerful governments. Anarchism is a political philosophy that opposes hierarchies — systems in which a more powerful person or group is in charge — and favors equality between all people. The Greek root word of anarchism is anarkhia, "lack of a leader," or "the state of no government."
Vocabulary lists containing anarchism
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.
In Anarchism and Other Essays, 3rd rev. ed.
From Textbooks • Jun. 15, 2022
“This conspiracy has failed. Anarchism and illegal activities have no place here.”
From Seattle Times • Jun. 3, 2022
Anarchism is having a moment—or at least the word is.
From Slate • Sep. 29, 2020
Topics: jerry koch, grand jury resistance, Anarchism, activistm, Justice, , Grand Jury, Aaron Swartz, federal prosecutors, anarchist, ,
From Salon • Feb. 3, 2014
I read a few books about revolutionaries: Che Guevara, Emma Goldman, an odd book titled Mutual Aid by Peter Kropotkin, who was an anarchist, and a book by Alexander Berkman titled ABC of Anarchism.
From "Hole in My Life" by Jack Gantos
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.
