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partisan

par-tuh-ZAN /ˌpɑː.tɪˈzæn/

nounadjectiveC1GRESATGMAT

FormalPoliticalHistorical

A committed member of a political party or an armed resistance group defending a cause or territory.

In military contexts, refers to an armed resistance fighter operating behind enemy lines; in political contexts, refers to someone fiercely loyal to a party.

The story behind the word. Derived from Italian 'partigiano' (member of a faction), which comes from 'parte' (part or side). In the 16th century, it designated a defender of a side, before evolving during 20th-century conflicts into a term for anti-fascist underground fighters.

Word relationships

resistance fighter: Emphasizes opposition to foreign military occupation.
zealot: Implies fanatical devotion, whereas partisan can mean firm political allegiance or territorial defense.

nonpartisan: Free from party bias or political factionalism.

Commonly confused with

mercenary: A partisan is driven by strong ideological or patriotic devotion, whereas a mercenary fights strictly for financial reward.

Word family

partisanship (noun): Prejudice or strong bias in favor of a particular cause or political party.
nonpartisan (adjective): Not biased toward any political party.

Collocations

partisan fighter
bipartisan support
partisan politics
fierce partisan

Example sentences

"During World War II, Yugoslav partisan units tied down dozens of enemy divisions in the mountains." World War II resistance memoir
"The fierce partisan bickering in parliament prevented any constructive legislation from passing." Political commentary

Memory hook

Partisan takes the PART of one side with complete devotion. Taking a side completely.

When not to use

Do not use to describe a neutral, unbiased mediator or non-aligned observer.

Fun facts

In 18th-century French military doctrine, 'partisan' designated a light infantry officer commanding independent raiding detachments behind enemy lines.