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anarchism

noun an·ar·chism \ ˈa-nər-ˌki-zəm , -ˌnär- \
|Updated on: 31 May 2018

Definition of anarchism

1 : a political theory holding all forms of governmental authority to be unnecessary and undesirable and advocating a society based on voluntary cooperation and free association of individuals and groups
2 : the advocacy or practice of anarchistic principles

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Recent Examples of anarchism from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'anarchism.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of anarchism

1642

in the meaning defined at sense 1

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Other Government and Politics Terms

agent provocateur, agitprop, autarky, cabal, egalitarianism, federalism, hegemony, plenipotentiary, popular sovereignty, socialism

ANARCHISM Defined for English Language Learners

anarchism

noun

Definition of anarchism for English Language Learners

  • : a belief that government and laws are not necessary

Learn More about anarchism

  1. See words that rhyme with anarchism Spanish Central: Translation of anarchism Nglish: Translation of anarchism for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of anarchism for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about anarchism

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