Anarchy
A state of society without government or law; political disorder.
nounAnarchy
A state of society without government or law; political disorder.
nounImagine This
An archer goes crazy and shoots his arrows aimlessly throughout the city. The city is in total disorder.
Sounds Like
AN-uh-kee
Looks Like
An archer
Remember This
Etymology reveals the meaning: 'an-' = without, 'archy' = rule. Related roots include monarchy, oligarchy, patriarchy.
Other Forms
Connect With
disorder, chaos, lawlessness, governance, authority, anarchism
Note
Anarchy denotes absence of a governing authority, not just general chaos. Be careful to distinguish from anarchism, which is a political philosophy advocating for stateless societies. Use 'anarchy' to describe political conditions, not merely a messy situation.
Study Deeper
- After the overthrow of the government, the country slipped into anarchy.
- Without police presence, the city descended into anarchy and looting began.
From Greek anarchΓa 'without a ruler,' from an- 'without' + arkhΔ 'rule'.
Mnemonic: AN-archy = without a ruler. Visualize a city with a big sign saying 'No one in charge' and everyone doing as they please.
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Preclude
verbTo prevent something from happening; to make something impossible.
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adjectiveHaving a sharp, clear, and penetrating quality in expression or analysis; cutting or biting in a critique or argument.
Rancor
nounLong-lasting, bitter resentment or ill will toward someone, often persisting over time.
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Abasement
nounThe act or instance of humiliating or degrading someone; the state of being lowered in dignity or status.
Absurdity
nounThe quality or state of being wildly unreasonable, illogical, or ridiculous; something that is completely contrary to reason or common sense.
Accent
nounA distinctive way of pronouncing words; the act of emphasizing a syllable or word (as a verb, to accent means to emphasize).
Accolade
nounAn honor; a public expression of praise or an award.
Acrimony
nounBitterness of speech or manner; ill feeling
Acronym
nounA word formed from the initial letters of a phrase, pronounced as a single word and used as a shorthand for the full name (for example, NASA or radar).