166 Another Word for Lawlessness? – Lawlessness Synonyms & Antonyms

Want to say lawlessness differently? Here are other words for lawlessness and its similar synonyms and opposite words to say in unique way.


Meaning of lawlessness

The primary meaning of "lawlessness" refers to a state of society where people are not governed by laws, or a situation where laws are not enforced, leading to a lack of control and order.

Etymology of lawlessness

The word "lawlessness" has its roots in Old English "lagu" meaning law, and the suffix "-less" meaning without, combined with the Old English "leas" meaning free from, or without.
The term has been used in the English language since the 14th century to describe a state of society where laws are not enforced, or where people do not obey the laws.

Synonyms

chaos anarchy disorder turmoil mayhem rebelliousness unruliness insubordination noncompliance disobedience defiance contumacy mutiny sedition riotousness tumult uproar violence savagery brutality ruthlessness recklessness abandon impunity license permissiveness laxity leniency negligence dereliction delinquency criminality outlawry banditry piracy marauding plundering pillaging looting vandalism hooliganism thuggery rowdiness roughness lawbreaking illegality illegitimacy injustice inequity unfairness.

Definitions

  • A state of society where there is no law or no effective law, leading to a lack of control and order.
  • A situation where people do not obey the laws, or where laws are not enforced, resulting in chaos and disorder.
  • A condition characterized by the absence or disregard of law, leading to a breakdown in social order and stability.

Usage Examples

  • The city descended into lawlessness after the government collapsed, with looting and violence widespread.
  • The lawlessness of the frontier town made it a dangerous place to live, with outlaws and gunslingers roaming the streets.
  • The lack of effective law enforcement in the country led to a state of lawlessness, with crime and corruption rampant.

Antonyms

legality legitimacy lawfulness order stability control discipline obedience compliance cooperation harmony peace tranquility serenity calmness respect decency civility morality ethics justice fairness equality righteousness probity integrity honesty uprightness rectitude virtue.

Related Adjectives

lawful legal legitimate orderly stable controlled disciplined obedient compliant cooperative harmonious peaceful tranquil serene calm respectful decent civil moral ethical just fair equal righteous probitious honest upright rectitudinous virtuous.

Related Nouns

crime violence disorder chaos anarchy rebellion uprising riot tumult turmoil mayhem savagery brutality law legislation justice judiciary police enforcement authority governance administration regulation control stability security safety peace harmony.

Related Verbs

rebel riot revolt protest demonstrate disobey defy resist refuse comply cooperate obey enforce regulate control govern administer legislate judge punish penalize fine imprison incarcerate police guard protect serve.
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