1. In Greek philosophy and mythology, the personification of necessity, fate, or inevitability; an inescapable force that governs all events.
Usage: From ancient Greek; often capitalized when referring to the goddess or mythological concept; Used in philosophical and literary contexts

Examples

• The ancient Greeks believed that ananke was a force no god could escape.
• In Plato's writings, ananke represents the principle of necessity that underlies all existence.
• The philosopher argued that ananke, not free will, determines human action.
• Ananke was often depicted as a goddess who controlled the threads of fate.
• Modern thinkers still debate whether ananke or human agency shapes our lives.