anarchism

noun

an·​ar·​chism ˈa-nər-ˌki-zəm 

-ˌnär-

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

Examples of anarchism in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

During and shortly after the Spanish Civil War, Franco’s regime, too, persecuted Esperantists for the language’s association with anti–nationalism and anarchism. — Katie Thornton, Harpers Magazine, 26 May 2026

The incident involving labor activists and anarchists became linked with radical politics such as socialism and anarchism, which made May 1 politically sensitive. — Tamanna Nangia, Encyclopedia Britannica, 24 Apr. 2026

This year, that has translated into a theme of anarchism through mutual cooperation, inspired by the Russian anarchist Peter Kropotkin. — Devorah Lauter, ARTnews.com, 23 Apr. 2026

This tumult gave rise to the political philosophies of communism and anarchism, as well as the early labor movement. — Marco Quiroz-Gutierrez, Fortune, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

anarchy + -ism; as a political theory after French anarchisme

Note: See note at anarchist.

First Known Use

circa 1656, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

anarchism

noun

an·​ar·​chism ˈan-ər-ˌkiz-əm 

-ˌär-

: a political theory that government is not necessary