Anarchy

Anarchy is a noun. It means disorder, lawlessness or absence of government.

• If the government fails to ensure public order, the country will fall into a state of anarchy.
• Conditions in at least a few South East Asian countries are ripe for anarchy.

The word anarchy does not necessarily have to be used in its strict political meaning. For example, if you have young children and you are away for a moment, there will be anarchy in your house.

Synonyms of anarchy: tumult, lawlessness, nihilism, revolution, mobocracy, disorder, insurrection, chaos, mayhem,  turmoil

The words anarchy and monarchy are often confused.

Anarchy is the absence of a leader. Monarchy is a government headed by a king or queen.

An anarchist is a person who tries to bring about anarchy. The word anarchist can also be used as an adjective. For example, an anarchist newspaper supports anarchy and anarchists.