anarchism

[an-er-kiz-uhm]

noun

1. a doctrine urging the abolition of government or governmental restraint as the indispensable condition for full social and political liberty.

2. the methods or practices of anarchists, as the use of violence to undermine government.

3. anarchy.

anarchism

/ ˈænəˌkɪzəm /

noun

1. political theory a doctrine advocating the abolition of government

2. the principles or practice of anarchists

anarchism

1. The belief that all existing governmental authority should be abolished and replaced by free cooperation among individuals.

Anarchy is sometimes used to refer to any state of chaos or lawlessness.

Other Word Forms

• proanarchism noun
• semianarchism noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of anarchism¹

First recorded in 1635–45; anarch(y) + -ism

Example Sentences

Other themes included veganism – total avoidance of any animal food or products – and anarchism.

From BBC

"A great deal of the anti-bureaucracy sentiment is associated with right-wing populism, which often sputters between anarchism and fascism."

From Salon

At the time of the theft of the Mona Lisa, anarchism in France had a violent tinge.

From Literature

It is funny that the connection between punk and anarchism is kind of manufactured, but then becomes a popular political movement across the world.

From Los Angeles Times

The origins of that rule date back to 1918 when the U.S. government became concerned about “external threats of anarchism and communism,” according to the U.S.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• anarchy 
• brawl 
• disturbance 
• lawlessness 
• protest 
• storm 
• strife 
• trouble 
• turmoil 
• uproar