# anarchy

/ˈænɝˌki/ (US) · /ˈænɑːki/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/anarchy
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. lack of government

noun · CEFR B2

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

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

- After the war ended, the country fell into anarchy for several months.
- The sudden collapse of the central administration left the province in a state of total anarchy, with no police force to maintain public safety.

### 3. political theory

noun · CEFR C1 · Academic

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

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

- The philosopher wrote a book about how anarchy could work in a small village.
- The seminar explored the historical roots of anarchy as a serious political philosophy rather than just a synonym for violent disorder.

Usage: Usually uncountable.

## Examples

- The city fell into anarchy after the police left.
- Without clear leadership, the protest quickly turned into anarchy.
- The sudden collapse of the central authority plunged the region into a state of violent anarchy that lasted for several years.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.