WorldAugust 11, 2026

nonrecognition

non-rek-og-NISH-un

Definition

The formal diplomatic policy of refusing to acknowledge the legitimacy of a state's claim to territory or sovereignty.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin prefix 'non-' (not) and the verb 'recognize,' which comes from the Latin 'recognoscere' meaning to know again or identify.

In the news

The term is used to describe Colombia's shift away from its long-standing policy of nonrecognition regarding Israel's annexation of the Golan Heights. It highlights the political stakes involved in diplomatic alignments regarding disputed territories.

What does Colombia’s Golan Heights recognition mean for the occupied Syrian territory?

Read the full article ↗

Arab News

Related words

anglophones

People whose primary language is English, particularly within a region where another…

World

constitutionality

The quality or state of being in accordance with the provisions and principles of a…

World

contravened

To violate or act in opposition to a law, treaty, or formal agreement.

World

interlocutory

A legal term describing a decision, order, or appeal that is provisional and made during…

World

torpedoing

Deliberately and forcefully destroying, sabotaging, or bringing about the failure of…

World

microfinance

The provision of financial services, such as small loans or credit, to individuals or…

World

Learn a word like this every day

Meet one new word every morning.

Newspoken pulls one carefully chosen word from the day’s news — with a clear definition, context, and light review that makes it stick. Get it on your phone.