noun

anomie

AN-uh-mee

Anomie (noun) means a breakdown of shared social norms and values, leaving people without clear standards to live by; also the personal sense of rootlessness that follows. Example: “The study describes the anomie of a town after the factory closed.”

noun

A breakdown of shared social norms and values, leaving people without clear standards to live by; also the personal sense of rootlessness that follows.

"The study describes the anomie of a town after the factory closed."

How to Use Anomie

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA breakdown of the shared rules that hold society together.

When to use it

Academic — sociology.

Easily confused with

alienation → anarchy →

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The study describes the _____ of a town after the factory closed.

Etymology

From Greek "anomia," lawlessness, from "a-" (without) plus "nomos" (law). It entered English as a sociological term through French.

Origin: Greek

Synonyms

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normlessness alienation

Related Words

alienation transference

Rhymes for anomie

pie die lie tie sie vie hie i.e. brie movie eerie moxie

See all rhymes for anomie →

Frequently Asked Questions

What is anomie?

A condition in which the shared rules and expectations that hold a society together weaken or break down, so people no longer have a clear sense of what is expected. It is also used for the individual feeling of disconnection that results.

What is the difference between anomie and alienation?

Anomie is about the absence of norms — the rules themselves have broken down. Alienation is about estrangement from work, others or oneself. They often occur together but are not the same idea.

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