Lawlessness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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.

Main points about word origin

• 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.

The concept of lawlessness has been a topic of philosophical and political debate throughout history. It raises questions about the nature of authority, the social contract, and the role of government in maintaining order. From the writings of ancient philosophers to modern-day discussions on governance, lawlessness continues to be a significant issue in society.

See also: law, lawbook, lawbreaker, lawbreaking, lawful, lawfully, lawfulness, lawgiver, lawless, lawmaker, lawmakers, lawmaking, lawman, laws, lawsuit, lawyer, lawyers, outlaw, unlawful, unlawfully.

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

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