Synonyms

secede

American

[si-seed] / sɪˈsid /

verb (used without object)

seceded, seceding

to withdraw formally from an alliance, federation, or association, as from a political union, a religious organization, etc.

secede British

/ sɪˈsiːd /

verb

(of a person, section, etc) to make a formal withdrawal of membership, as from a political alliance, church, organization, etc

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms

seceder noun
unseceded adjective
unseceding adjective

Etymology

Origin of secede

First recorded in 1695–1705, secede is from the Latin word sēcēdere to withdraw. See se-, cede

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.

Decades ago, her optical nerve had begun to secede from the lining of her left eye.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2024

For more than 100 years, the townsfolk fought to keep it that way, once threatening to secede from California if it imposed addresses.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 22, 2024

Sikh Americans have wide-ranging opinions on whether Sikhs should secede from India.

From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2023

March 16, 1995, The Seattle Times: “Way to secede may get easier for West Seattle — Senate passes bill to change rules.”

From Seattle Times • Jun. 12, 2023

It retains the right to secede at will.

From "Travels with Charley in Search of America" by John Steinbeck

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023