fifth column (redirected from fifth columnists)

fifth column

n.

A clandestine subversive organization working within a country to further an invading enemy's military and political aims.

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[First applied in 1936 to rebel sympathizers inside Madrid when four columns of rebel troops were attacking that city.]

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fifth colum·nism (klm-nzm) n.

fifth columnist n.

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fifth column

n

1. (Historical Terms) (originally) a group of Falangist sympathizers in Madrid during the Spanish Civil War who were prepared to join the four columns of insurgents marching on the city

2. any group of hostile or subversive infiltrators; an enemy in one's midst

fifth columnist  n

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

fifth column - a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst Trojan horse social unit, unit - an organization regarded as part of a larger social group; "the coach said the offensive unit did a good job"; "after the battle the soldier had trouble rejoining his unit" fifth columnist, saboteur - a member of a clandestine subversive organization who tries to help a potential invader