intifada

[ in-tuh-fah-duh ]

noun

1. (sometimes initial capital letter) a revolt begun in December 1987 by Palestinian Arabs to protest Israel's occupation of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

intifada

/ ˌɪntɪˈfɑːdə /

noun

1. the Palestinian uprising against Israel in the West Bank and Gaza Strip that started at the end of 1987

intifada

1. Arabic for uprising. Starting in 1987, Palestinians have engaged in an intermittent intifada against Israel on the West Bank and Gaza Strip in their pursuit of a Palestinian state.

Word History and Origins

Origin of intifada¹

1988; < Arabic intif āḍa literally, a shaking off, derivative of f āḍa to shake off

Word History and Origins

Origin of intifada¹

C20: Arabic, literally: uprising

Example Sentences

One thing this new unrest shares with the Second Intifada, also known as the al-Aqsa Intifada, is the flashpoint.

From The Daily Beast

Refugee camps played a crucial role during the Second Intifada.

From The Daily Beast

When asked if she thought a new intifada might be taking shape, she said flatly, “all the indications” are there.

From The Daily Beast

It is no wonder that headlines around the world are talking about a new, third intifada, or Palestinians uprising.

From The Daily Beast

And what has been happening over the past months is, in her view, “a new method of Intifada,” and “maybe a more effective one.”

From The Daily Beast