anomie
|an-o-mie|
/ˈænəmi/
breakdown of social norms
Etymology
'anomie' originates from French, specifically the word 'anomie', where 'an-' meant 'without' and 'nomos' meant 'law'.
'anomie' came into English from French 'anomie', which in turn derives from Greek 'anomia' (from 'an-' + 'nomos'); the term was adopted into modern English usage, especially in sociology, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.
Initially, it meant 'lawlessness' or 'without law' in a literal sense, but over time it evolved into the sociological meaning of 'a breakdown or absence of social norms and values'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a sociological condition in which social norms and values break down or are absent, producing social instability and normlessness.
Durkheim used the term anomie to describe the sense of normlessness that can follow rapid social change.
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Noun 2
a personal feeling of alienation, purposelessness, or moral confusion resulting from a lack of accepted standards or values.
After losing his job and support networks, he experienced a profound sense of anomie.
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Last updated: 2025/08/18 04:52