Anarchy: meaning, definitions and examples

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anarchy

 

[ ˈænərki ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

state of disorder

Anarchy is a state of disorder due to the absence or nonrecognition of authority. It can also refer to a society without a publicly enforced government or political authority. Anarchy is often associated with chaos, lawlessness, and lack of control.

Synonyms

chaos, disorder, lawlessness

Examples of usage

  • During the riot, there was total anarchy in the streets.
  • In an anarchy, individuals are free to act as they please without interference from a governing body.
  • The collapse of the government led to anarchy in the country.
Context #2 | Noun

political theory

Anarchy can also refer to a political theory that advocates self-governed societies based on voluntary cooperation, without the need for coercive institutions. Anarchists believe in the abolition of hierarchical structures and the establishment of a stateless society.

Synonyms

self-governance, stateless society, voluntary cooperation

Examples of usage

  • Anarchy as a political theory promotes decentralized decision-making and direct democracy.
  • Anarchists argue that anarchy is not synonymous with chaos but rather with freedom and equality.
  • The philosophy of anarchy challenges traditional notions of governance and authority.

Translations

Translations of the word "anarchy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 anarquia

🇮🇳 अराजकता

🇩🇪 Anarchie

🇮🇩 anarki

🇺🇦 анархія

🇵🇱 anarchia

🇯🇵 無政府状態

🇫🇷 anarchie

🇪🇸 anarquía

🇹🇷 anarşi

🇰🇷 무정부 상태

🇸🇦 فوضى

🇨🇿 anarchie

🇸🇰 anarchia

🇨🇳 无政府状态

🇸🇮 anarhija

🇮🇸 stjórnleysi

🇰🇿 анархия

🇬🇪 ანარქია

🇦🇿 anarxiya

🇲🇽 anarquía

Etymology

The word 'anarchy' originated from the Greek word 'anarkhia', which means 'without a ruler'. It was first used in English in the 16th century to describe a state of disorder or absence of government. Over time, the term evolved to encompass political theories advocating for non-hierarchical and self-governed societies. Anarchy has been a subject of debate and controversy, with proponents viewing it as a pathway to freedom and equality, while critics see it as a recipe for chaos and lawlessness.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,731, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.