Lawlessness: meaning, definitions and examples

Etymology

• The term combines 'law', from Old English 'lagu', meaning something laid down or fixed, and 'lessness', indicating lack or absence.
• Lawlessness as a concept emerged prominently in the English language during the late 19th century, often relating to crime and rebellion.
• The prefix 'less' denotes the absence, making 'lawlessness' directly refer to a lack of laws.

History

• During the American Wild West, lawlessness was prevalent as settlers moved into territories governed by minimal law enforcement.
• The fall of Rome led to a period of lawlessness in Europe, known as the Dark Ages, when centralized power weakened.
• The term became especially notable during the Prohibition era in the 1920s, when the ban on alcohol led to rampant crime and disregard for laws.

Literature

• In William Golding's novel 'Lord of the Flies', the characters descend into lawlessness as societal rules break down on a deserted island.
• Many dystopian novels explore themes of lawlessness, depicting societies where the absence of laws leads to chaos and moral decay.
• In classic literature, characters often confront lawlessness as a reflection of their internal struggles, symbolizing a loss of control.

Social Sciences

• Research in criminology often examines the relationship between lawlessness and social unrest, revealing how lack of laws can fuel violence.
• Lawlessness can lead to the emergence of vigilante groups, as communities attempt to enforce their own sense of justice.
• Sociologists argue that lawlessness is often a symptom of deeper societal issues, such as inequality and lack of opportunity.

Pop Culture

• Movies like 'Mad Max' portray lawlessness in a post-apocalyptic world, illustrating the breakdown of societal order.
• Video games such as 'GTA' frequently feature themes of lawlessness, allowing players to experience chaos in urban environments.
• Television series like 'Sons of Anarchy' delve into groups that operate outside of the legal system, highlighting complex moral narratives.

With rank #19,324, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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• 19321 underpinning
• 19322 implore
• 19323 impermeable
• 19324 lawlessness
• 19325 stalwart
• 19326 nutmeg
• 19327 synoptic
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