sectarian

/sɛkˈtɛriən/

Other forms: sectarians

Sectarian is a word to describe something having to do with smaller groups or sects. Sectarian violence, for example, would describe violence that has erupted between conflicting groups or sects.

Sectarian, as a noun, is a member of a group with a particular set of interests. If you're a religious sectarian, you are loyal to a particular religious sect or group. Unfortunately, there are not many places in the world where sectarian strife and conflict do not exist.

Definitions of sectarian

1. adjective

   of or relating to or characteristic of a sect or sects
   “sectarian differences”
2. adjective

   belonging to or characteristic of a sect
   “a sectarian mind”

   “"the negations of sectarian ideology"- Sidney Hook”

   “sectarian squabbles in psychology”

   synonyms:

   denominational

   adhering or confined to a particular sect or denomination

   narrow-minded

   rigidly adhering to a particular sect or its doctrines

   antonyms:

   nonsectarian

   not restricted to one sect or school or party

   ecumenic, ecumenical, oecumenic, oecumenical

   concerned with promoting unity among churches or religions

   interchurch, interdenominational

   occurring between or among or common to different churches or denominations

   nondenominational

   not restricted to a particular religious denomination

   undenominational

   not bound or devoted to the promotion of a particular denomination
3. noun

   a member of a sect
   “most sectarians are intolerant of the views of any other sect”

   synonyms: sectarist, sectary

   type of:

   bigot

   a prejudiced person who is intolerant of other people's opinions or beliefs