partisanship

American  

[pahr-tuh-zuhn-ship, -suhn] / ˈpɑr tə zənˌʃɪp, -sən /

Rarely partisanry

noun

1. support of a person, group, party, or cause, especially when seen as biased or emotional: I found myself hoping that the astronomical community would leave Pluto’s planetary status as it was and began following the debate, although my partisanship didn’t extend to letter writing.

   Regardless of the panelists’ political leanings or partisanship, all political topics will be considered for discussion.

   I found myself hoping that the astronomical community would leave Pluto’s planetary status as it was and began following the debate, although my partisanship didn’t extend to letter writing.

---

Etymology

Origin of partisanship

partisan ¹ ( def. ) + -ship ( def. )

Explanation

Your partisanship is your tendency to support a particular group, cause, or viewpoint over another. While partisanship is a good quality to have if you're campaigning or rallying for a political candidate — because you believe so strongly in the person — there are some times when partisanship isn't appropriate. A judge, for example, should be neutral and not take sides, and might be accused of partisanship if she seems to favor one cause or political party. The word comes from the early Italian partezan or partigiano, "member of a faction," with its root of parte, "part or party."

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

partisanship

“Protests are very common—but this one is different,” not rooted in political partisanship, said Fred Abrahams, who wrote “Modern Albania,” a book on the country’s transition from communism.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

In a moment when partisanship dominates coverage, his passing invites reflection on the role of law, accountability, and the endurance of civic norms.

From Salon ● Mar. 21, 2026

At home, he warned citizens to beware of extreme partisanship.

From BBC ● Jan. 8, 2026

“The audience tells us what they want is less partisanship, less of a focus on extremes and more of a focus on civil, solutions-oriented dialogue,” NBC News President Rebecca Blumenstein said in an interview.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 4, 2025

There was considerable partisanship among the family as to the desired sex of the next baby.

From "Cheaper by the Dozen" by Frank B. Gilbreth Jr. and Ernestine Gilbreth Carey

Related Words

• bigotry
• favoritism
• intolerance
• prejudice
• tendency
• unfairness