anarchism
anarchism Lexical Profile
anarchism Game Scores & Validity
• noun
A political philosophy and movement that is skeptical of all justifications for authority and advocates the abolition of the state and involuntary hierarchical institutions in favor of self-governed societies based on voluntary, cooperative associations.
"The professor's lecture explored the historical roots of nineteenth-century European anarchism and its influence on labor movements."
Active resistance or opposition to established government, law, and political authority.
"Critics accused the radical protesters of promoting sheer anarchism rather than constructive social reform."
Word Nuance & Usage
Do not confuse 'anarchism' with 'anarchy'. 'Anarchism' refers specifically to a structured political philosophy advocating voluntary cooperation without state rule, whereas 'anarchy' more broadly denotes either the absence of government or a general state of lawless chaos and disorder.
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Coined in the mid-17th century from French 'anarchisme' or directly from 'anarchy' plus '-ism', ultimately rooted in Ancient Greek 'anarkhia' ('lack of a leader'), from 'an-' ('without') and 'arkhos' ('chief' or 'ruler').