separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈse-p(ə-)rə-tist 

ˈse-pə-ˌrā-

: one that favors separatism: such as

a

capitalized : one of a group of 16th and 17th century English Protestants preferring to separate from rather than to reform the Church of England

b

: an advocate of independence or autonomy for a part of a political unit (such as a nation)

c

: an advocate of racial or cultural separation

separatist adjective

separatistic

ˌse-p(ə-)rə-ˈti-stik 

adjective

Examples of separatist in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Lai, who asserted Taiwan is a sovereign, independent nation in his inauguration speech in May, is viewed by Beijing as a separatist. —Josh Hammer, Newsweek, 3 Dec. 2024

Aside from a small minority of violent Sikh separatists, Canada does not see the Khalistan movement as the threat India does, according to Carvin. —Lex Harvey, CNN, 29 Nov. 2024

Sikh separatists demand an independent homeland known as Khalistan to be carved out of India. —Fox News, 30 Oct. 2024

Driving the news: The Washington Post first reported that Canadian officials alleged that Shah was behind a campaign against Sikh separatists in Canada. —Rebecca Falconer, Axios, 30 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1608, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing separatist

• anti-separatist

Kids Definition

separatist

noun

sep·​a·​rat·​ist ˈsep(-ə)-rət-əst 

: a person who favors separation (as from a church or party)

separatism

-rə-ˌtiz-əm

noun

separatist adjective