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

See Examples For:

antiestablishment

It’s difficult to portray yourself as an antiestablishment maverick when you’re going up against a man dressed as a bin.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 2026

Still, it is a risky moment for an antiestablishment movement whose ascendance has until now seemed unstoppable.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jan. 22, 2026

Black Flag frontman Henry Rollins exemplified a generation’s sour, antiestablishment, heavily ironic posture.

From Los Angeles Times ● Apr. 12, 2022

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