What does "anarchy" mean?

1. (lack of government) a situation where a country or place has no government or laws to control it. 2. (political theory) the idea that people should live together and help each other without a government.

anarchy

US //ˈænɝˌki// UK //ˈænɑːki// an·ar·chy

1 lack of government (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a situation where a country or place has no government or laws to control it.

the state of a society being without authorities or an authoritative governing body. Uncountable in this abstract sense.

Example

After the war ended, the country fell into anarchy for several months.

Example

The sudden collapse of the central administration left the province in a state of total anarchy, with no police force to maintain public safety.
- lawlessness
- statelessness
- order
- government
2 political theory (n.)
C1 Advanced Academic

the idea that people should live together and help each other without a government.

the political theory that a community is best organized by voluntary cooperation rather than by a coercive government.

Example

The philosopher wrote a book about how anarchy could work in a small village.

Example

The seminar explored the historical roots of anarchy as a serious political philosophy rather than just a synonym for violent disorder.

Usage

Usually uncountable.
- anarchism

Origin

From New Latin anarchia, from Ancient Greek ἀναρχία (anarkhía). By surface analysis, an- + -archy.

Word family

Nounanarchism
Nounanarchist
Nounanarchy