Secession: meaning, definitions and examples

Formal withdrawal from an organization, state, or political entity, often involving legal or political frameworks.

• The secession of the southern states led to the Civil War
• The region's secession was discussed in parliament

The act of pulling out or removing oneself from an involvement or participation, often used in military, financial, or personal contexts.

• The troops’ withdrawal from the region was scheduled for next month
• He announced his withdrawal from the competition due to injury

An informal or sudden separation from a group, often used in sports, politics, or social groups. It can have a rebellious connotation.

• The breakaway faction formed their own political party
• The cyclist made a breakaway from the leading pack

General term for dividing or separating into parts, applicable in both physical and abstract situations, including groups, opinions, and resources.

• The company decided on a split to focus on different markets
• There was a split in the community over the new policy

Formally used when a region or group chooses to withdraw from a larger political entity, like a country or organization.

• The secession of the southern states led to the American Civil War

Commonly used to describe the end of a relationship, whether personal or organizational. Can also apply to the disintegration of countries or companies.

• The breakup of the band disappointed many fans

Often used informally to describe a separation, whether in relationships, organizations, or physical materials. It can describe both temporary and permanent separations.

• The split between the two companies created competition in the market

Used broadly to describe the act of separating something into parts. It can apply to social, political, and organizational contexts.

• The division of labor among the team members helped finish the project on time

Used when a region or group attempts to withdraw formally from a larger political entity, such as a state or country.

• The southern states' secession from the Union led to the American Civil War
• There are ongoing debates about the secession of Catalonia from Spain

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.

• The rise of separatism in the region has caused international concern
• The separatist group has been pushing for an independent state for years

Typically used to describe a state of being divided or not united, often talking about dissolving a political unity or social bonds.

• Political corruption led to the disunion within the party
• The country feared disunion after the controversial election

Refers to the act of dividing something into separate parts, often used in the context of dividing territories or countries.

• The partition of India and Pakistan in 1947 led to massive migrations
• The partition of the former Yugoslavia resulted in new, separate countries