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 has nothing to do with efficiency, and actually, for something with a reputation so closely glued to antiestablishment aesthetics and fashions of the counterculture, is quite frivolous if you think about it.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 12, 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

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

He admires the antiestablishment lifestyle embraced by the canyon’s rock stars too.

From Los Angeles Times ● Feb. 22, 2023

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