sectionalism

[ sek-shuh-nl-iz-uhm ]

noun

1. excessive regard for sectional or local interests; regional or local spirit, prejudice, etc.

sectionalism

/ ˈsɛkʃənəˌlɪzəm /

noun

1. excessive or narrow-minded concern for local or regional interests as opposed to the interests of the whole

Derived Forms

• ˈsectionalist, nounadjective

Other Words From

• section·al·ist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of sectionalism¹

An Americanism dating back to 1850–55; sectional + -ism

Example Sentences

"I want to break down bureaucratic sectionalism, vested interests, and the blind adherence to precedent."

From BBC

In 2010, Texas’s Board of Education adopted academic standards saying the conflict was caused by “sectionalism, states’ rights and slavery.”

From Washington Post

The state’s roughly 5 million students would be taught that the cause of the war was “sectionalism, states’ rights and slavery.”

From Washington Post

Students were being taught that there were three causes for the Civil War: sectionalism, states’ rights and slavery.

From Fox News

After discussion Friday, the board approved directing students to consider “the central role of the expansion of slavery” in causing sectionalism, disagreement over state’s rights and the Civil War.

From Washington Times