anarchy
A state of disorder and lawlessness resulting from the absence or non-recognition of authority or a governing body. It can also refer to a situation characterized by total confusion and a lack of organization.
Examples
3 of 5When the teacher left the room for twenty minutes, the classroom turned into total anarchy.
When the teacher left the room for twenty minutes, the classroom turned into total anarchy.
The sudden collapse of the regime plunged the nation into a state of violent anarchy.
The sudden collapse of the regime plunged the nation into a state of violent anarchy.
It was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.
It was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Look at the roots: 'an-' means 'without' (like in 'anonymous') and '-archy' means 'ruler' (like in 'monarchy'). Anarchy = without a ruler.
Quick Quiz
The sudden withdrawal of peacekeeping forces left the region in a state of ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: anarchy
Examples
When the teacher left the room for twenty minutes, the classroom turned into total anarchy.
everydayWhen the teacher left the room for twenty minutes, the classroom turned into total anarchy.
The sudden collapse of the regime plunged the nation into a state of violent anarchy.
formalThe sudden collapse of the regime plunged the nation into a state of violent anarchy.
It was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.
informalIt was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.
Political theorists often debate whether human nature is inclined toward order or anarchy in the absence of a social contract.
academicPolitical theorists often debate whether human nature is inclined toward order or anarchy in the absence of a social contract.
Without a clear management structure, the project quickly descended into creative anarchy.
businessWithout a clear management structure, the project quickly descended into creative anarchy.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
anarchy in the UK
a famous cultural reference to the punk movement and social upheaval
descent into anarchy
the process of a society losing its legal and social structure
organized anarchy
a situation that appears chaotic but has an underlying system
Often Confused With
Anarchy is the state of disorder or lack of government, while anarchism is the political philosophy that advocates for such a state.
Chaos is general confusion in any context; anarchy specifically implies a lack of authority or rules.
Usage Notes
Anarchy is an uncountable noun. While it is often used negatively to mean 'chaos,' in political science, it can specifically mean a society based on voluntary cooperation without a state.
Common Mistakes
Learners often try to use 'anarchy' as a verb. Use 'descend into anarchy' or 'cause anarchy' instead. Also, do not confuse it with 'anarchist' (the person).
Memory Tip
Look at the roots: 'an-' means 'without' (like in 'anonymous') and '-archy' means 'ruler' (like in 'monarchy'). Anarchy = without a ruler.
Word Origin
Derived from the Greek 'anarkhia', meaning 'lack of a leader', from 'an-' (without) + 'arkhos' (leader).
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In Western culture, the term is strongly linked to the 1970s punk rock movement, which used anarchy as a symbol of rebellion against the establishment.
Quick Quiz
The sudden withdrawal of peacekeeping forces left the region in a state of ____.
Correct!
The correct answer is: anarchy
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