secession

American  

[si-sesh-uhn] / sɪˈsɛʃ ən /

noun

1. an act or instance of seceding.

2. (often initial capital letter) the withdrawal from the Union of 11 Southern states in the period 1860–61, which brought on the Civil War.

3. (usually initial capital letter) a style of art in Germany and Austria concurrent with and related to Art Nouveau.

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secession British  

/ sɪˈsɛʃən /

noun

1. the act of seceding

2. (often capital) the withdrawal in 1860–61 of 11 Southern states from the Union to form the Confederacy, precipitating the American Civil War

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secession Cultural  

1. The withdrawal from the United States of eleven southern states in 1860 and 1861. The seceding states formed a government, the Confederacy, in early 1861. Hostilities against the remaining United States, the Union, began in April 1861 (see Fort Sumter), and the Civil War followed.

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Other Word Forms

• nonsecession noun
• nonsecessional adjective
• secessional adjective
• secessionism noun
• secessionist noun

Etymology

Origin of secession

1525–35; < Latin sēcessiōn- (stem of sēcessiō ) withdrawal, equivalent to sēcess ( us ) (past participle of sēcēdere to secede; cession ) + -iōn- -ion

Example Sentences

"Alberta's secession cannot happen without First Nation consent to change a party to Treaty No. 8," the lawsuit stated.

From BBC • Mar. 12, 2026

The women, who are against secession and for abolition but are practiced in the art of deceiving their neighbors, are involved with the Underground Railroad in some way that’s not exactly clear.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 26, 2026

The last time the idea of secession gained serious momentum was in 1993 when a consultative referendum saw 65 percent of residents support independence -- but the plan got mired in opposition from state officials.

From Barron's • Feb. 13, 2026

So it is puzzling that Mr. Kaylan would recommend Azeri secession while omitting important context.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jan. 21, 2026

Before Lincoln’s inauguration in March of 1861, Florida, Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, and Texas had joined the secession movement and formed the Confederate States of America.

From "American Spirits" by Barb Rosenstock

Related Words

• breakaway
• breakup
• separation