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

The article, under the pen name Bernard Dorrity and the title "Let's Secede from Texas," described the state as a "geographical hemorrhoid."

From Time Magazine Archive

Secede, sē-sēd′, v.i. to go away: to separate one's self: to withdraw from fellowship or association.—ns.

From Chambers's Twentieth Century Dictionary (part 4 of 4: S-Z and supplements) by Various

If the General Government allows you peaceably and freely to Secede, neither Virginia, nor any other Southern State, would, in my opinion, follow you at present.

From The Great Conspiracy, Volume 2 by Logan, John Alexander

Control, Secede, Vested Rights.—The officers of a church corporation have control of the business management for all civil purposes, excepting as otherwise provided by the articles of organization, charter, or by-laws of the corporation.

From The Clergyman's Hand-book of Law by Scanlan, Charles M.

Related Words

• break with