Secession Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
⚔️
secession
[sɪˈsɛʃ(ə)n ]
Definitions
political
The action of withdrawing formally from membership of a federation or body, especially a political state.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| secession |
Formal withdrawal from an organization, state, or political entity, often involving legal or political frameworks.
|
| withdrawal |
The act of pulling out or removing oneself from an involvement or participation, often used in military, financial, or personal contexts.
|
| breakaway |
An informal or sudden separation from a group, often used in sports, politics, or social groups. It can have a rebellious connotation.
|
| split |
General term for dividing or separating into parts, applicable in both physical and abstract situations, including groups, opinions, and resources.
|
Examples of usage
- Texas declared secession from the United States in 1861.
- The secession of the southern states led to the American Civil War.
history
The withdrawal of eleven Southern states from the Union in 1860-61, leading to the Civil War.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| secession |
Formally used when a region or group chooses to withdraw from a larger political entity, like a country or organization.
|
| breakup |
Commonly used to describe the end of a relationship, whether personal or organizational. Can also apply to the disintegration of countries or companies.
|
| split |
Often used informally to describe a separation, whether in relationships, organizations, or physical materials. It can describe both temporary and permanent separations.
|
| division |
Used broadly to describe the act of separating something into parts. It can apply to social, political, and organizational contexts.
|
Examples of usage
- The secession crisis was a turning point in American history.
- Abraham Lincoln opposed secession and fought to preserve the Union.
legal
The act of a state formally leaving the Union or another political entity.
Synonyms
disunion, partition, separatism.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| secession |
Used when a region or group attempts to withdraw formally from a larger political entity, such as a state or country.
|
| separatism |
Refers to movements or ideologies that advocate for the separation of a particular group or region from a larger political entity, often focusing on ethnic, cultural, or regional identity. Generally, carries a negative connotation.
|
| disunion |
Typically used to describe a state of being divided or not united, often talking about dissolving a political unity or social bonds.
|
| partition |
Refers to the act of dividing something into separate parts, often used in the context of dividing territories or countries.
|
Examples of usage
- The legality of secession was a topic of debate after the Civil War.
- International law has varying opinions on the legality of secession.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Historical Origins
- The term 'secession' comes from the Latin 'secedere,' meaning 'to withdraw' or 'to go apart.'
- The most famous example is the American Civil War, where Southern states seceded from the Union in the 1860s.
Political Science
- Secession can occur due to cultural, economic, or political differences, as seen in movements like Catalonia's desire for independence from Spain.
- Legal frameworks regarding secession differ greatly from country to country, and it often leads to complex legal battles.
Literature
- Secession themes are explored in literature, highlighting conflicts and the desire for self-determination, such as in works discussing the Ten Years' War in Cuba.
- Notable plays and novels often depict the emotional struggles tied to secession, where characters grapple with identity and belonging.
Psychology
- Secession can evoke strong feelings of identity and community, influencing people's sense of belonging and self-worth.
- Research indicates that the psychological motivations behind secession often include a quest for autonomy and cultural recognition.
Pop Culture
- Movies and shows often dramatize secession, exploring the internal conflicts within families and communities when a group seeks independence.
- Separation-themed narratives resonate in modern storytelling, showcasing the struggles between unity and individuality.
Origin of 'secession'
The term 'secession' originated from the Latin word 'secessio', which means 'withdrawal' or 'retirement'. The concept of secession has a long history, with examples ranging from ancient Rome to the American Civil War. Secession is often a contentious issue, as it involves the fragmentation of a political entity. The debate over the legality and morality of secession continues to be relevant in modern times, with various movements advocating for or against secession in different parts of the world.
Word Frequency Rank
At position #13,675, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.
- ...
- 13672 glaze
- 13673 mysticism
- 13674 legitimately
- 13675 secession
- 13676 awesome
- 13677 underestimated
- 13678 latency
- ...