intifada
Americannoun
noun
Etymology
Origin of intifada
1988; < Arabic intif āḍa literally, a shaking off, derivative of f āḍa to shake off
Explanation
An intifada is an organized rebellion against an authority. The word is most often used to talk about the two Palestinian intifadas against the Israeli government. Intifada is from the Arabic intafada, "to shake off." It was first used for a 1952 Iraqi uprising against that country's monarchy. A rebellion in 1987, in which Palestinians demonstrated against the Israeli government, attempting to "shake off" Israel’s presence in the West Bank and Gaza, is known as the First Intifada. It was followed by the Second Intifada in 2000, after a peace summit failed to end in agreement between Israelis and Palestinians.
Vocabulary lists containing intifada
The Middle East and Central Asia - Middle School
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The Middle East and Central Asia - High School
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Muslim Empires and the Middle East - High School
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Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The intifada refers to the Palestinian civilian uprisings against Israel in 1987-1993 and the early 2000s.
From Barron's ● May 2, 2026
It is believed to be the first time since the second intifada - a major Palestinian uprising from 2000 to 2005 - that several Palestinian cities have been targeted simultaneously in this way.
From BBC ● Aug. 28, 2024
An analysis of 30 major U.S. print and broadcast outlets over four years – from 2000 to 2004 – found that the coverage lacked this important context during the second intifada.
From Salon ● Mar. 1, 2024
"It's very clear that Fatah don't want any intifada," explained Raed Debiy, the party youth leader.
From BBC ● Dec. 15, 2023
Direct negotiations to determine the permanent status of Gaza and West Bank began in September 1999 after a three-year hiatus, but were derailed by a second intifada that broke out in September 2000.
From The 2006 CIA World Factbook by United States. Central Intelligence Agency
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