secessionism
|se-ces-sion-ism|
/sɪˈsɛʃənɪzəm/
political withdrawal/separation movement
Etymology
'secessionism' originates from English, specifically the word 'secession' plus the suffix '-ism', where 'secession' ultimately comes from Latin 'secessio' (from 'secedere') and 'se-' meant 'apart' while 'cedere' meant 'to go', and the suffix '-ism' meant 'doctrine' or 'system'.
'secessionism' changed from Latin 'secedere' → Late Latin 'secessio' → French 'sécession' → Middle/Modern English 'secession', and the modern English noun 'secessionism' was formed by adding the suffix '-ism' (common in the 18th–19th centuries to denote doctrines or movements).
Initially, it meant 'the action or process of withdrawing (a going apart)', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a doctrine, movement, or advocacy supporting political withdrawal (separation)'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
the doctrine, ideology, or political movement that supports secession — the withdrawal of a region or group from a larger political entity to form an independent state or join another.
Secessionism gained support in several provinces after the central government's reforms.
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Noun 2
the practice, tendency, or advocacy of seceding — actions, campaigns, or sentiments aimed at political separation.
The rise of secessionism led to increased tensions and prolonged negotiations between the regional and national governments.
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Last updated: 2025/09/21 12:29