anarchy
What does "anarchy" mean?
Anarchy refers to a state of society where there is no recognized government, authority, or central control. The mental image is one of a vacuum of power where the usual social "rules" are suspended, often implying a sense of total disorder or chaos, though in political philosophy, it can also refer to a self-governing society based on voluntary cooperation. In everyday conversation, the word is most frequently used to describe a situation that has descended into complete lawlessness or confusion. While it carries a heavy political weight, in casual contexts, you might hear it used hyperbolically to describe a messy room or an unorganized event. It is generally a strong, negative term unless used by proponents of anarchist political theory.
"anarchy" in conversation
Office chaos
The manager left for vacation and didn't leave any instructions.
The manager left for vacation and didn't leave any instructions.
It’s total anarchy in here, everyone is just doing whatever they want.
It’s total anarchy in here, everyone is just doing whatever they want.
Used here to describe a lack of management and resulting confusion.
Party cleanup
Look at this place! There's confetti in the fridge.
Look at this place! There's confetti in the fridge.
After midnight, it was pure anarchy. I couldn't control the crowd.
After midnight, it was pure anarchy. I couldn't control the crowd.
Used colloquially to describe a wild, out-of-control social situation.
"anarchy" in a sentence
The classroom turned into anarchy when the teacher stepped out.
The classroom turned into anarchy when the teacher stepped out.
Political theorists often debate the feasibility of a society functioning without anarchy.
Political theorists often debate the feasibility of a society functioning without anarchy.
The collapse of the central government plunged the entire region into a state of protracted anarchy.
The collapse of the central government plunged the entire region into a state of protracted anarchy.
