secede
Americanverb (used without object)
verb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of secede
First recorded in 1695–1705, secede is from the Latin word sēcēdere to withdraw. See se-, cede
Explanation
To secede is to go your own way, breaking off ties. Usually, this refers to one part of a country that wants to become independent, like the South during the U.S. Civil War. The Latin word secedere means “go apart” and that's where secede comes from. Don't confuse it with the much more common succeed. Your plan to secede from the state of New Jersey and found a kingdom named Rusty, after your dog, is not likely to succeed.
Vocabulary lists containing secede
The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian
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The American Civil War
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100 SAT words Beginning with "S"
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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.
Al-Hijri and many Druze previously conciliatory toward Al-Sharaa were unconvinced and demanded to secede.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 21, 2025
Decades ago, her optical nerve had begun to secede from the lining of her left eye.
From Slate • Jan. 27, 2024
Sikh Americans have wide-ranging opinions on whether Sikhs should secede from India.
From New York Times • Dec. 5, 2023
The post, which opens with sentences mirroring the Declaration of Independence, makes clear that the proposal is to secede from California and become an independent U.S. state rather than secede from the United States.
From Seattle Times • Jun. 17, 2023
We have heard them threaten to secede so often that I formed an enthusiastic organization— The American Friends for Texas Secession.
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
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
