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

Noun

any group that secretly helps the enemies of its own country or organization

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