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 roots of techno — in Detroit or Berlin depending on whom you talk to — were always antiestablishment, said Ambrus Deak, program manager of music production at the Los Angeles Film School.

From Los Angeles Times • Jul. 3, 2025

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

Italy’s League and 5 Star are two of the many political movements around Europe riding the antiestablishment wave.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 5, 2018

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