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

Today, it is considered a founding text of philosophical anarchism. —Roy Scranton, The Conversation, 22 Aug. 2025

There’s a character who is an anarchist, and anarchism becomes a thread through the whole book. —Michael Schaub, Oc Register, 11 Aug. 2025

There’s a piece on anti-war artists, one on Emma Goldman and her anarchism, an essay on the stories that Hollywood never tells, and a celebration of pamphleteering in America. —James Folta, Literary Hub, 30 July 2025

McKinley lived at a time when economic recessions were not uncommon and anarchism was on the rise. —Aroop Mukharji, Foreign Affairs, 14 Mar. 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