Fatah

American  

[faht-ah, fuh-tah] / ˈfɑt ɑ, fəˈtɑ /

noun

1. a Palestinian political party advocating Palestinian independence and self-rule.

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Fatah British  

/ ˈfætə /

noun

1. a Palestinian terrorist organization, founded in 1956, with the aim of destroying the state of Israel: it has splintered into rival factions since 1988

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Etymology

Origin of Fatah

First recorded in 1965–70; vocalization of Arabic FTḤ, abbreviation of Ḥarakat al-Taḥrīr al-Waṭanī al-Filasṭīn “Palestinian National Liberation Movement,” from ḥarakat, form of ḥarakah “movement” + taḥrīr “liberation” + waṭanī “national” + Filasṭīn Palestine ( def. ); coined by reversing the elements and shortening ḤTWF to form FTḤ as a pun on fatḥ “opening, victory”

Example Sentences

He remains a member of the Fatah Central Committee.

From BBC • Apr. 15, 2026

Tirawi said that after consulting with other Fatah figures, he decided to make the issue public, warning that if the situation persists he would disclose details of specific cases to the media.

From Barron's • Jan. 20, 2026

A senior leader of Fatah party, he is often described by supporters as the "Palestinian Mandela".

From Barron's • Oct. 16, 2025

“I’m tired, but thank God for everything,” said Yahya Nimr Ahmad Ibrahim, a Fatah member arrested in 2003 and sentenced to 23 years.

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 13, 2025

Whilst still a mere lad, Dost, by his courage and sagacity, delivered Fatah from more than one imminent peril.

From Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, Vol. 60, No. 373, November 1846 by Various