dissident
DIS-ih-dent
/ˈdɪsɪdənt/
(Noun) A person who opposes official policy, especially that of an authoritarian state. (Adjective) In opposition to official policy.
A dissident is more than just a 'rebel'; they are often intellectuals or activists who challenge a system from within or through public protest.
The story behind the word. The word 'dissident' paints a picture of a meeting where everyone is sitting together in agreement—except for one person. From the Latin 'dis-' (apart) and 'sedere' (to sit), a dissident is literally someone who 'sits apart' from the rest of the group.
Word relationships
- dissenter: A dissenter is someone who disagrees with a specific opinion; a dissident is often a lifelong opponent of a whole system.
- renegade: A renegade is someone who deserts a group or cause, often with a sense of betrayal.
- loyalist: A loyalist is someone who remains firm in their support for a government or cause.
- conformist: A conformist follows the rules without question.
Commonly confused with
- diffident: Diffident means shy or lacking self-confidence; dissident means in opposition to authority.
Word family
- dissidence (noun): Protest against official policy.
Collocations
- political dissident
- dissident voices
- dissident movement
Idioms & expressions
- a thorn in the side
- swimming against the tide
Example sentences
- "The dissident was arrested for publishing a pamphlet that questioned the legitimacy of the ruling party." Describing political struggle.
- "Even within the committee, there were dissident voices who felt the new regulations were too restrictive." Regarding internal group dynamics.
Memory hook
A 'dissident' is 'distant' because they 'sit' elsewhere. Sitting apart.
When not to use
Do not use for a child who is simply being disobedient; it implies a principled, often political, disagreement.
Fun facts
- During the Cold War, the term 'dissident' was most famously applied to Soviet citizens like Andrei Sakharov who risked their lives to criticize the government.
Related words
Explore more words
dissent, subversive, maverick, dissension, faction, nonconformist
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