separatism meaning

separatism as a noun

1. a social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups

   Synonyms: segregation

   Type of: social organization

   Kinds: racial segregation, de facto segregation, de jure segregation, purdah, white separatism

2. 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

   Related forms: separatist

3. advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state

   Synonyms: separationism

   Type of: separation

How to pronounce separatism

separatism is pronounced /ˈsɛpɚətɪzəm/ in American English. It has 5 syllables, with the stress on the first syllable.