anarchy

an-ar-chy · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A state of society without government or law; political and social disorder.

  2. 2.

    Absence of any form of political authority or organized government.

  3. 3.

    General lawlessness and disorder, especially when resulting from a failure of government.

Forms

plural: anarchies

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    anarchy and chaos — Complete disorder and confusion.
  • •
    descend into anarchy — To progressively lose order and governmental control.

Related words

Antonyms: authority, government, order, rule
See also: anarchist, chaos, disorder, government
Synonyms: chaos, disorder, lawlessness, turmoil

Etymology

From Greek anarkhia ("lack of a leader"), from an- ("without") + arkhos ("ruler, leader"). Entered English in the 16th century via Medieval Latin and French.