sectarian

[ sek-tair-ee-uhn ]

adjective

1. of or relating to sectaries or sects.
2. narrowly confined or devoted to a particular sect.
3. narrowly confined or limited in interest, purpose, scope, etc.

noun

1. a member of a sect.
2. a bigoted or narrow-minded adherent of a sect.

sectarian

/ sɛkˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of, belonging or relating to, or characteristic of sects or sectaries
2. adhering to a particular sect, faction, or doctrine
3. narrow-minded, esp as a result of rigid adherence to a particular sect

noun

1. a member of a sect or faction, esp one who is bigoted in his adherence to its doctrines or in his intolerance towards other sects, etc

Derived Forms

• secˈtarianˌism, noun

Other Words From

• sec·tari·an·ly adverb
• unsec·tari·an adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of sectarian¹

First recorded in 1640–50; sectary + -an

Example Sentences

But questions remain about how the Lebanese troops would operate against Hezbollah, which is heavily armed and backed by Iran, amid fears this could exacerbate sectarian tensions.

From BBC

In addition to the arson attacks, Ms Moore said there had also been incidents of "sectarian graffiti" in the area.

From BBC

Personal testimony from all sides fuel a five-part look on PBS by director James Bluemel at Northern Ireland over 30 years of political and sectarian violence.

From Los Angeles Times

Fatima didn’t feel there was any sectarian tension against her as a Shia, but another man who stayed in the building with his five children had a different view.

From BBC

As Israel expands its strikes far from Hezbollah’s bastions into areas where displaced Shiites have fled, fears rise about worsening sectarian tensions.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• factional
• parochial
• partisan