separatism

/ˌsɛpərəˈtɪzəm/

Other forms: separatisms

Separatism is the belief that one group of people should split off and live apart from a larger group. Often, separatism stems from differences in religious beliefs, language, or ethnicity.

Separatism comes from separate and its Latin root, separare, which means "to pull apart." Advocating for pulling away or apart from a larger group is separatism. People who believe in the idea or put it into action are separatists. Ethnic separatism, based on different cultures and languages, led to the split of Czechoslovakia into two separate countries, the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

Definitions of separatism

1. noun

   a disposition toward schism and secession from a larger group; the principles and practices of separatists
   “separatism is a serious problem in Quebec”

   “demands for some form of separatism on grounds of religion have been perceived as a threat to mainstream education”

   type of:

   disposition

   a natural or acquired habit or characteristic tendency in a person or thing
2. noun

   a social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups
   synonyms: segregation

   types:

   racial segregation

   segregation by race

   de facto segregation

   segregation (especially in schools) that happens in fact although not required by law

   de jure segregation

   segregation that is imposed by law

   purdah, sex segregation

   the traditional Hindu or Muslim system of keeping women secluded

   white separatism

   a social system in which white people live separately from members of other races

   petty apartheid

   racial segregation enforced primarily in public transportation and hotels and restaurants and other public places

   type of:

   social organisation, social organization, social structure, social system, structure

   the people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships
3. noun

   advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state
   synonyms: separationism

   type of:

   separation

   the social act of separating or parting company