lawlessness

[law-lis-nis]

noun

1. the quality or condition of being without regard for the law; behavior that is contrary to or shows indifference to the law.

   Unfortunately, a lot of confusion, lawlessness, stupidity, and even death surrounds alcohol use in college settings.

2. the state or condition of being without law or law enforcement to provide control or restraint.

   For several months, the emerging nation looked as if it would slip into lawlessness and civil war.

Word History and Origins

Origin of lawlessness¹

First recorded in 1585–95; lawless ( def. ) + -ness ( def. )

Related Words

• chaos 
• confusion 
• disorder 
• terrorism