secede

American  

[si-seed] / sɪˈsid /

verb (used without object)

seceded, seceding

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

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secede British  

/ sɪˈsiːd /

verb

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

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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

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.

Example Sentences

It’s not that Greenlanders don’t want to secede from Denmark—they just don’t want to become a U.S. state in turn.

From Slate • Mar. 28, 2025

Ron Kaye, a longtime Los Angeles Daily News editor known for civically inspired muckraking and boosting the San Fernando Valley — including a failed bid for the Valley to secede from L.A. — has died.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 19, 2024

He was a leader of the Freedom County movement that sought to secede from Snohomish County in the late 1990s.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 17, 2024

With Belgian support, the mineral-rich Katanga province was encouraged by Belgian mining interests to secede, and the white-dominated Force Publique, the Belgian colonial army, revolted.

From New York Times • Feb. 21, 2024

The boxers, under Jerry’s leadership, threatened to secede from the club and start their own.

From "Long Walk to Freedom" by Nelson Mandela

Related Words

• break with