secession
sih-SESH-un
/sɪˈseʃ.ən/
The formal withdrawal of a group, region, or entity from a political union, alliance, or state.
Implies a formal or legal act of splitting away from an existing larger body.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'secedere', meaning to move apart or go away. In ancient Rome, the 'secessio plebis' was a radical strike tactic where common citizens left the city entirely, forcing patricians to make legal concessions.
Word relationships
- withdrawal: Withdrawal is broader and can apply to military forces or negotiations, whereas secession specifically refers to territorial or political separation.
- schism: Schism usually applies to religious or ideological splits, whereas secession concerns political units.
- unification: Unification is the joining together of separate states or entities into a single political unit.
- accession: Accession refers to joining an existing treaty, organization, or political union.
Commonly confused with
- succession: Succession is the sequence of acquiring leadership (e.g., succession to the throne), while secession is breaking away from a state.
Word family
- secede (verb): To formally withdraw from a political state or alliance.
- secessionist (noun): A person who advocates political separation.
Collocations
- act of secession
- threat of secession
- right to secession
- peaceful secession
Example sentences
- "The threat of secession hovered over the American South long before the outbreak of open hostility in 1861." History
Memory hook
Remember 'SE-CED-E': SE (separate) + CEDE (yield/go) = going off separately from the main state. Secede means to step aside and form your own state.
When not to use
Do not confuse with 'succession', which means following in sequence or taking over an office.
Fun facts
- In ancient Rome, plebeians performed 'secessio' five times to win political rights against the patricians.
Related words
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