What does partisan mean?
Partisan is a word associated with strong allegiance. As a noun, it can describe someone who vigorously supports a political party, leader, faction, or cause; in historical contexts, it may also refer to a member of an armed resistance movement. As an adjective, partisan describes loyalty to one side, a viewpoint shaped by factional loyalties, or a conflict characterized by division between supporters of opposing positions. In modern political speech, the term often carries a negative implication: partisan attitudes may prioritize loyalty over impartial judgment or compromise. It is especially common in phrases such as partisan politics and partisan conflict. Although the word can be used neutrally to identify a person or position, its standard spelling in American English is usually partisan, while partizan is also established in British usage and historical writing.
A strong supporter of a political party, faction, leader, or cause; historically, also a member of an armed resistance movement.
"The partisan argued that the proposed policy would benefit the entire country."
In modern political usage, the word often implies intense factional loyalty. The historical military sense remains in references to resistance movements.
Strongly favoring a particular political faction, cause, or viewpoint, especially in a way that compromises impartiality.
"The committee struggled to make a nonpartisan decision."
The adjective can describe a person, position, conflict, or political process. It is commonly contrasted with nonpartisan.
The regular plural is used for individual supporters; the plural can also refer collectively to members of a political or military faction.
"The two sets of partisans disagreed sharply over the proposed changes."
A partisan can be a committed supporter—or an adjective for a viewpoint so closely tied to one side that compromise seems unlikely.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does partisan come from?
The English word comes through French partisan from Italian partigiano, a supporter of a faction, originally associated with partisan conflict. These forms ultimately relate to Latin pars, meaning a part or share, and the idea of dividing people into opposing sides. English borrowed the word in the 16th century for military conflict and political faction, and it later broadened to describe political allegiance more generally.
Related word forms
How partisan is actually used
In contemporary political contexts, partisan often implies allegiance to a faction and may suggest that impartial consideration is compromised. The noun can also have a historical or military sense, especially in discussions of resistance fighters and irregular forces. Partizan is an alternative spelling, especially common in historical usage and some British contexts.
Easily confused with partisan
Partial means biased toward one side or incomplete in scope, whereas partisan specifically emphasizes strong allegiance to a political faction, cause, or leader.