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

Le Pen has been the standard-bearer of antiestablishment politics in France since she took over her father Jean-Marie Le Pen’s far-right party in 2011.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 7, 2026

“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

“I think Suga is a bit more Lennon — more explicit in his antiestablishment sensibilities. ‘Haegeum’ is a double entendre of a traditional Korean string instrument and wordplay on ‘liberation from restrictions.’

From Los Angeles Times ● May 9, 2023

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