anarchist

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noun an·ar·chist \ ˈa-nər-kist , -ˌnär- \

Definition of anarchist

1 :a person who rebels against any authority, established order, or ruling power

2 :a person who believes in, advocates, or promotes anarchism or anarchy; especially :one who uses violent means to overthrow the established order

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anarchist

or anarchistic play \ˌa-nər-ˈkis-tik, -(ˌ)när-\ adjective

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Recent Examples of anarchist from the Web

Warren and Ms. King also did not mention subsequent counterattacks by left-wing anarchists in Berkeley, California.

— bill barrow, The Christian Science Monitor, "On MLK's 'I have a dream' anniversary, Warren emphasizes the intersection of race and economics," 29 Aug. 2017
Have authorities, through a combination of cowardice and political correctness, ceded control of the streets in key American towns to a Marxist/anarchist mob?

— david french, National Review, "Antifa Just Showed Its True Colors. Again.," 28 Aug. 2017
On New Year's Day 1920, Chicago police raided union halls and bookstores and apprehended about 150 socialists, communists, and anarchists, many of whom were deported.

— ryan smith, Chicago Reader, "Beyond the ‘Bernie bro’: Socialism’s diverse new youth brigade," 23 Aug. 2017
Clanton, a former community college professor affiliated with the anarchist movement, has been arraigned on charges of hitting multiple people on the head with a bicycle lock.

— paige st. john, latimes.com, "Far-right activist faces criminal charges in Berkeley violence caught on video," 18 Aug. 2017
Those episodes usually involve select anarchists or members of the anti-fascist movement that see violence as a way to fight the state and protect the vulnerable.

— lisa baumann and sarah rankin, chicagotribune.com, "What is 'antifa?' Virginia clashes bring attention to anti-fascist movement," 16 Aug. 2017
Some may also describe themselves as anarchists, people who question authority on principle.

— katy steinmetz, PEOPLE.com, "What Is Antifa? Anti-Fascist Protesters Draw Attention After Charlottesville," 15 Aug. 2017
But a big global event in the heart of a city with a strong anarchist tradition was always bound to prompt protests. Officials’

— The Economist, "Teutonic tremorsGermany fears Donald Trump will divide Europe," 15 July 2017
Two alleged members of an anti-gentrication anarchist group were ordered to stand trial Wednesday for participating in a riot May 1 by masked and black-garbed vandals who caused more than $100,000 in damage to new housing in North Philadelphia.

— joseph a. slobodzian, Philly.com, "2 alleged anarchists to stand trial for N. Philly vandalism spree," 12 July 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of anarchist

see anarchy

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1646

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Other Government and Politics Terms

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

ANARCHIST Defined for English Language Learners

anarchist

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noun

Definition of anarchist for English Language Learners

: a person who believes that government and laws are not necessary

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