anarchic

American

[an-ahr-kik] / ænˈɑr kɪk /

Also anarchical

adjective

of, like, or tending to anarchy.
advocating anarchy.
not regulated by law; lawless.

Anarchic bands pillaged the countryside.

Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of anarchic

First recorded in 1780–90; either from French anarchique or anarch(y) + -ic

Explanation

Something that's anarchic is out of control or extremely disorganized. An anarchic classroom has no rules — it most likely has no teacher, either. Wars and political conflicts are frequently described as anarchic, particularly if they appear to be lawless and chaotic. Any situation that's lacking structure or rules can be called anarchic, like a wild, sugar-fueled birthday party or an anarchic swarm of gulls attacking a plate of French fries on a picnic table. The Greek root word is anarkhos, "without head or chief."

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Example Sentences

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See Examples For:

anarchic

A product of the Cambridge Footlights, the cradle of so much post-war British comedy, he shot to fame in the 1970s as a member of the anarchic Goodies.

From BBC ● Jul. 27, 2026

Instead, he has blamed "infiltrators" or "anarchic forces" for igniting violence -- without giving further details.

From Barron's ● Feb. 16, 2026

Mr. Huffman’s text captures the anarchic, utopian, very 1970s-counterculture spirit of the book, even as his additions and reorganizations streamline the narrative and reflect changes in the world since it was written.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Dec. 5, 2025