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

Her anarchism was part of the Edinburgh Character and her conservatism rooted in respect for order, authority and ritual. —Frances Wilson september 23, Literary Hub, 23 Sep. 2025

The ideologies of antifa adherents are based on various left-wing causes, including communism, anarchism and socialism, while many also support environmentalism, the rights of indigenous populations and LGBTQ+ rights. —Robert Birsel, MSNBC Newsweek, 19 Sep. 2025

Today, it is considered a founding text of philosophical anarchism. —Roy Scranton, JSTOR Daily, 18 Sep. 2025

And when liberalism seems weak and people are impatient for change, authoritarianism or anarchism can seem suitable alternatives to many. —Big Think, 11 Sep. 2025

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