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

By the eighteen-eighties, Chicago had become the center of labor politics and the demand for the eight-hour day, of socialism and anarchism. —Margaret Talbot, The New Yorker, 2 Oct. 2023

In his piece, Jacobs writes that Kropotkin believed anarchism depended on cooperation, contrasting this with competition. —Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Feb. 2023

But sticking to anarchism would imply an almost certain defeat. —Kai Ye, WIRED, 23 July 2023

As Jacobs acknowledges, anarchism is a living practice more than an ideology; its contours are not shaped by devotion to any particular texts or thinkers. —Matthew Gavin Frank, Harper's Magazine, 21 Feb. 2023

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