Anarchy
/ˈæn.ər.ki/noun
A state of society without government or law.
Did you know?The term 'anarchy' was first used in a political context during the 16th century to describe a lack of governance, often associated with chaos and disorder, but it also hints at a deeper philosophical struggle against oppressive authority.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
ἀναρχία (anarchía)
“The state of being without a ruler or chief, a term used to denote chaos.”
14th Century
Middle English
anarchie
“Adoption of the Greek term into English, referring to a state of disorder due to absence of authority.”
17th Century
English
anarchy
“Emergence in English political discourse, denoting a society lacking governmental structure.”
19th Century
English
anarchism
“Development of a political ideology advocating for stateless societies, rooted in the original meaning of anarchy.”