What does secession mean?
Secession is the act or process of a state, territory, or other political group withdrawing from a larger union. It most commonly refers to a formal separation from a country or governing authority, as when American states seceded from the United States in 1860 and 1861, contributing to the outbreak of the Civil War. The word can also describe a powerful group leaving an organization, alliance, or coalition, though separation or withdrawal is often more natural in those contexts. Secession implies a distinct and potentially disruptive break rather than an ordinary adjustment. It is consequently associated with political conflict, independence movements, constitutional questions, and the division of authority.
nounThe act or process of withdrawing from a political union, organization, or alliance. It may refer formally to a territory or constituent group separating itself from a state or governing authority.
- The formal or effective withdrawal of a state, territory, or political group from a larger union.
- The act or process of separating from an organization, alliance, or governing authority.
- A movement advocating or attempting such separation.
"The republic faced a dangerous period of political secession as separatist movements gathered support."
"Parliament debated whether the region had a legal right to secession."
"The coalition's internal secession left it badly weakened."
Plural is used for separate acts or processes of withdrawal, especially by different states, territories, or political groups.
"The two secessions took place decades apart."
Secession gave the American Civil War its opening spark: eleven Southern states declared themselves independent before the war began in 1861.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of secession
Secession comes from Latin secessio, a noun formed from secedere, meaning “to go apart” or “withdraw.” The related Latin verb cedere meant “to go,” “move,” or “yield.” English borrowed the term in a political sense, initially for withdrawal or separation within a state. The same Latin root is reflected in cognates such as procession, recession, concession, and cession.
Related word forms
How secession is actually used
The term is most often used in political contexts. In general organizational or personal contexts, separation or withdrawal is usually more natural, while secession can imply a formal or consequential break.
Easily confused with secession
Secession is separation from a political union, whereas succession is the sequence or transfer of power, office, or title.