Anarchistic

Part of speech: adjective

Pronunciation: /ˌanəˈkɪstɪk/

Definitions

1. Characterized by rejection of all forms of governmental authority and advocacy for a society based on voluntary cooperation
2. A belief system that opposes established government structures and promotes self-governance through cooperative social arrangements
3. Relating to ideology that seeks to dismantle hierarchical authority and envisions a collaborative society without imposed governance

Etymology: Anarchistic is a plain English formation: the noun "anarchist" with the adjective-forming suffix "-ic" attached. The noun itself came into English from French "anarchiste," which was built on Greek roots. The key Greek element is "an-" ("without"), joined to "archē" ("rule, authority, beginning"), giving "anarkhia," meaning "lack of a ruler." Greek speakers used the word for a state of having no leader, a sense that carried no political program at all. The "-ist" suffix, borrowed through Latin and French, marks someone who holds a belief or practises something, so an anarchist is one who holds that rule is unnecessary. The adjective "anarchistic" then describes things, ideas, or behaviour that reflect that outlook. Its meaning sits close to the political sense of "anarchist," though it can also be used loosely of disorder or defiance of any rules, not only of government.

Synonyms: chaotic, lawless, disorderly, rebellious, uncontrolled

Antonyms: orderly, controlled, regulated, lawful, disciplined