Definition

1. Noun:
   • A political theory or ideology: Anarchism advocates for the abolition of all forms of government and the organization of society on a voluntary, cooperative basis without force or compulsion.
   • A belief in the absence of authority: It is the doctrine that all forms of governmental authority are unnecessary and undesirable, proposing that people can live in harmonious, self-governing communities.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • His writings were deeply influenced by the principles of anarchism.
  • Anarchism argues that individuals can organize themselves peacefully without a state.
  • The protest was rooted in a philosophy of anarchism, rejecting centralized control.

Advanced Usage

• "philosophical anarchism": A strand of thought that morally opposes the legitimacy of the state but may not advocate for immediate violent revolution.
  • He subscribed to philosophical anarchism, believing the state had no ethical justification.
• "anarchism as a social movement": Refers to the historical and practical application of anarchist ideas in organizing labor and communities.
  • The early 20th century saw a strong wave of anarchism as a social movement in Europe.

Variants and Related Words

• Anarchist (noun): A person who believes in or advocates for anarchism.
  • The anarchist spoke at the rally about voluntary association.
• Anarchistic (adjective): Having qualities or characteristics of anarchism.
  • Their proposal had an anarchistic structure, with no formal hierarchy.
• Anarchy (noun): A state of society without government or law, often (but not exclusively) used to describe disorder. (Note: This is a related but distinct concept; anarchism is the theory, anarchy is often the described condition or goal).
  • The collapse of the regime led to a period of anarchy.

Synonyms

• Nihilism (in certain political contexts, though nihilism is broader and often denotes a rejection of all moral principles).
• Libertarian socialism (a related political philosophy sharing some goals with anarchism).

Related Phrases

• "to advocate for anarchism": To actively support or promote anarchist ideas.
  • She used her platform to advocate for anarchism and mutual aid.
• "principles of anarchism": The core beliefs or tenets of the ideology.
  • The commune was founded on the principles of anarchism.

Related Idioms

• "to preach anarchism": To fervently or persistently promote anarchist doctrine. (Often used critically).
  • He was known to preach anarchism at every public meeting.

Noun

1. a political theory favoring the abolition of governments