C1 verb Neutral

anarchy

/ˈæn.ə.ki/

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 5
1

When 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.

2

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.

3

It was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.

It was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.

Word Family

Noun
anarchy
Verb
anarchize
Adverb
anarchically
Adjective
anarchic
Related
anarchist
💡

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

1

When the teacher left the room for twenty minutes, the classroom turned into total anarchy.

everyday

When the teacher left the room for twenty minutes, the classroom turned into total anarchy.

2

The sudden collapse of the regime plunged the nation into a state of violent anarchy.

formal

The sudden collapse of the regime plunged the nation into a state of violent anarchy.

3

It was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.

informal

It was absolute anarchy at the mall during the Black Friday sales.

4

Political theorists often debate whether human nature is inclined toward order or anarchy in the absence of a social contract.

academic

Political theorists often debate whether human nature is inclined toward order or anarchy in the absence of a social contract.

5

Without a clear management structure, the project quickly descended into creative anarchy.

business

Without a clear management structure, the project quickly descended into creative anarchy.

Word Family

Noun
anarchy
Verb
anarchize
Adverb
anarchically
Adjective
anarchic
Related
anarchist

Common Collocations

descend into anarchy to fall into a state of lawlessness
total anarchy complete and utter disorder
state of anarchy a situation where there is no rule of law
widespread anarchy chaos that covers a large area or population
border on anarchy to be almost in a state of chaos

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 vs anarchism

Anarchy is the state of disorder or lack of government, while anarchism is the political philosophy that advocates for such a state.

anarchy vs chaos

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

uncountable noun often follows verbs like 'descend into', 'result in', or 'threaten' commonly modified by adjectives like 'total', 'complete', or 'civil'
🌍

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

Related Words

ultraphobty

C1

A state of extreme, pathological fear or an overwhelming aversion that exceeds the intensity of a standard phobia. It is typically used in clinical or specialized contexts to describe a totalizing and paralyzing sense of dread toward a specific stimulus or environment.

supercredcy

C1

Describing information, sources, or evidence that possesses an exceptionally high degree of reliability, authority, and trustworthiness. It is used to characterize something that is considered beyond reproach or indisputable in its veracity.

multiantidom

C1

Describing a state or entity that exhibits resistance or opposition across several distinct domains, jurisdictions, or spheres of influence. It characterizes a complex posture of multifaceted defiance aimed at maintaining autonomy against multiple external pressures.

incelerer

C1

To hasten or increase the speed and efficiency of a process, action, or development from within. It is specifically used in technical or academic contexts to describe the stimulation of inherent growth or velocity.

multichromness

C1

The state or quality of exhibiting multiple colors or shifting hues, particularly in response to light or perspective. It describes a complex visual property where various pigments or light frequencies create a diverse, often iridescent, appearance.

postlaterfy

C1

Describes a state or action that has been deferred beyond a secondary point of delay, often implying a sequence of repeated postponements. It characterizes tasks, decisions, or events that exist in a state of indefinite future scheduling.

homolucous

C1

To explain, clarify, or illuminate diverse subjects using a single, unified perspective or set of criteria. It involves the process of bringing disparate ideas into a shared and consistent framework of understanding.

pretactate

C1

To strategically plan, coordinate, or arrange preliminary tactical measures before a major operation or formal engagement. It involves the meticulous organization of steps to ensure a desired outcome during the execution phase.

monothermal

C1

A clinical procedure or state characterized by a single temperature, most commonly used in audiology to refer to a caloric test performed with either warm or cold irrigation alone. It is used as a screening tool to assess the balance system of the inner ear more quickly than standard two-temperature tests.

deducity

C1

Describing a logic or statement that is inherently capable of being inferred from established premises through a process of reasoning. In specialized testing contexts, it refers to the quality of a conclusion that follows necessarily from its preceding arguments.

Was this helpful?

Comments (0)

Login to Comment
No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts!

Start learning languages for free

Start Learning Free