PoliticsJuly 4, 2026

apartheid

/əˈpɑːrteɪt/

Definition

A policy or system of institutionalized racial segregation and systemic discrimination, originally referring to the historical legal system in South Africa.

Etymology

The word is derived from the Afrikaans 'apartheid,' meaning 'separateness' or 'the state of being apart,' formed by adding the suffix '-heid' (hood) to the stem 'apart.' It entered English to describe the specific political system of racial segregation enforced by the South African government from 1948 to 1994.

In the news

In this article, Kiros describes the situation in Gaza as an 'inevitable consequence of apartheid,' using the term to characterize the systemic oppression she alleges is occurring. This comment became a focal point for political opponents who criticized her for the statement.

How democratic socialist Melat Kiros stunned Colorado politics with congressional primary win

Read the full article ↗

Colorado Newsline

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