separatist

[ sep-er-uh-tist, -uh-rey- ]

noun

1. a person who separates, withdraws, or secedes, as from an established church.
2. an advocate of separation, especially ecclesiastical or political separation.

adjective

1. of, relating to, or designating separatism or separatists:

   separatist forces;

   separatist tendencies.

separatist

¹

/ ˈsɛpərətɪst; ˈsɛprə- /

noun

1. 1. a person who advocates or practises secession from an organization or group
   2. ( as modifier )

      a separatist movement

Separatist

²

/ ˈsɛprə-; ˈsɛpərətɪst /

noun

1. sometimes not capital a person who advocates the secession of a province, esp Quebec, from Canada

Derived Forms

• ˈseparaˌtism, noun
• ˌseparaˈtistic, adjective
• ˈSeparaˌtism, noun

Other Words From

• sep·a·ra·tism noun
• an·ti·sep·a·ra·tist noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of separatist¹

First recorded in 1600–10; separate (adjective) + -ist

Example Sentences

Turkey said it had targeted the “sources of income and capabilities” of Kurdish separatist groups it regards as terrorists.

From BBC

“Reminder that the 4B movement, and the separatist movement in general, isn’t just about avoiding men—it’s also about supporting and investing in women,” read another.

From Los Angeles Times

A separatist militant group, the Baloch Liberation Army, has claimed responsibility for the attack.

From BBC

India's foreign ministry said "extremists and separatists" were behind the violence, calling on the Canadian government to "ensure that all places of worship are protected from such attacks".

From BBC

India's accusations came in response to Mr Trudeau's claims that India had made a "massive mistake" if it was behind the death of a Sikh separatist leader on Canadian soil.

From BBC

Related Words

• dissident
• protester
• rebel