separatism

[ sep-er-uh-tism ]

noun

1. a principle or policy advocating withdrawing or seceding from an established union, such as a church, nation, etc.:

   The move toward separatism may become more powerful as the country’s economy melts down.

Word History and Origins

Origin of separatism¹

separat(e) ( def ) + -ism ( def )

Example Sentences

"They are proud of India's economic transformation since the 1990s and will not be sympathetic to Sikh separatism. Historically, the Liberals have been quite politically successful with the Sikh vote, especially in British Columbia."

From BBC

China has used the threat of "violent terrorism, radicalisation and separatism" in the past to justify the mass detention of the country's minority Uyghur population.

From BBC

This is based on an Old Testament-based worldview fusing Christian and American identities, rooted in parallels between America and Israel, which was commanded to maintain cultural and blood purity, often through war, conquest and separatism.

From Salon

Beijing rejected his remarks as advocating for separatism and launched the military drills.

From Seattle Times

Meanwhile, a new far-right party, Catalan Alliance, won two seats on the back of its uncompromising platform based on separatism and anti-immigrant policies.

From BBC

Related Words

• apartheid
• discrimination