Anarchal

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /əˈnɑː(ɹ)kəl/

Definitions

1. Pertaining to a framework where formal rulership is absent Indicating a context marked by a lack of organized leadership Relating to a state where established laws and governance are nonexistent
2. Describing a condition where formal rulers or official governing bodies are absent
3. Referring to a situation characterized by the absence of structured leadership or control

Etymology: In ancient Greek, "anarkhos" meant "without a ruler." It combined the prefix an-, "without," with "arkhos," "leader" or "ruler," which comes from the verb "arkhein," "to begin, to rule." The same root lies behind "monarch" and "hierarchy," so the word for a people with no ruler shares its core with words for rule by one person and rule by sacred order. English took the idea through the noun "anarch," a leader of lawlessness or disorder. Adding the suffix -al, as in "tribal" or "national," turned that noun into a descriptive adjective meaning, in this sense, having no government. Its more common relative is "anarchic," which is why this form now reads as a less familiar variant.

Synonyms: lawless, chaotic, disorderly

Antonyms: orderly, structured, regulated, controlled