'anarchism' originates from French, specifically the word 'anarchisme,' which was derived from the Greek 'anarkhos,' where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'arkhos' meant 'ruler.'

'anarchisme' was adopted into English as 'anarchism' in the 19th century, and eventually became the modern English word 'anarchism.'

Initially, it meant 'the absence of government or authority,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a political philosophy advocating the abolition of government and authority.'