WorldJuly 14, 2026
separatism
/ˈsɛpərəˌtɪzəm/
Definition
The advocacy or movement of a specific region or group to withdraw from an existing sovereign state to become independent.
Etymology
Derived from the Latin 'separatus', the past participle of 'separare' (to separate), combined with the Greek suffix '-ismos' denoting a state or condition. It entered English in the late 19th century to describe movements seeking political autonomy.
In the news
In the article, it is used to describe the political desire in Alberta to break away from Canada, which the government hopes to discourage by supporting pipeline infrastructure.
Letters to the editor, July 14: ‘Whatever happened to elbows up? Gordie Howe must be rolling over in his grave’
Read the full article ↗The Globe and Mail