separatism

sep·a·ra·tist  (spr--tst, spr-, sp-r-)

n.

1. One who secedes or advocates separation, especially from an established church; a sectarian or separationist.

2. One who advocates disjunction of a group from a larger group or political unit: Basque separatists.

3. One who advocates cultural, ethnic, or racial separation.

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sepa·ra·tism n.

sepa·ra·tist adj.

sepa·ra·tistic adj.

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separatism

an advocacy of separation, especially ecclesiastical or political separation, as the secession of U.S. states before the Civl War. — separatist, n., adj.

See also: Politics

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	separatism - a social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups segregation social organisation, social organization, social structure, social system, structure - the people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships; "the social organization of England and America is very different"; "sociologists have studied the changing structure of the family" racial segregation - segregation by race de facto segregation - segregation (especially in schools) that happens in fact although not required by law de jure segregation - segregation that is imposed by law sex segregation, purdah - the traditional Hindu or Muslim system of keeping women secluded white separatism - a social system in which white people live separately from members of other races
	2.	separatism - a disposition toward schism and secession from a larger group; the principles and practices of separatists; "separatism is a serious problem in Quebec"; "demands for some form of separatism on grounds of religion have been perceived as a threat to mainstream education" disposition - a natural or acquired habit or characteristic tendency in a person or thing; "a swelling with a disposition to rupture"
	3.	separatism - advocacy of a policy of strict separation of church and state separationism separation - the social act of separating or parting company; "the separation of church and state"