'secessionist' originates from the Latin word 'secessio,' where 'se-' meant 'apart' and 'cedere' meant 'to go.'

'secessio' transformed into the French word 'sécession,' and eventually became the modern English word 'secession' through Middle English.

Initially, it meant 'the act of withdrawing,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person advocating for withdrawal from a political entity.'