secede

[ si-seed ]

verb (used without object)

, se·ced·ed, se·ced·ing.

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

secede

/ sɪˈsiːd /

verb

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

Derived Forms

• seˈceder, noun

Other Words From

• se·ceder noun
• unse·ceded adjective
• unse·ceding adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of secede¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of secede¹

C18: from Latin sēcēdere to withdraw, from sē- apart + cēdere to go

Example Sentences

The flags honored the date when North Carolina seceded from the Union.

From Washington Post

When southern states seceded, causing a Civil War in the United States, these slaveholding tribal members fought with the Confederacy, as others sided with the Union or tried to remain neutral.

From Time

The seven states that seceded before Inauguration Day 1861 interpreted that policy position as the first step to abolishing slavery altogether.

From Time

Seven states had already seceded from the Union to set up an “alternate” government, as Holzer put it in an interview.

From Washington Post

He didn’t say where he’s heard anyone float the notion of states seceding, let alone spell out how such a neo-Civil War separation might take place.

From Washington Post

A third group, Al-Hirak Al Janoubi, is gaining ground with calls for southern Yemen to secede.

From The Daily Beast

Hongkongers aren't asking to secede from China, but Beijing's faulty calculus is only alienating the city.

From The Daily Beast

I voted today because after what happened in Odessa and Mariupol, unity of Ukraine is impossible and it is better to secede.

From The Daily Beast

This time, the heirs of the Confederacy have learned that is more effective to suborn the government than secede.

From The Daily Beast

Voters in a corner of Colorado will vote Tuesday on whether to secede from the state.

From The Daily Beast

Louisiana may secede, if she choose, form a foreign alliance, and hold the mouth of the Mississippi.

From Project Gutenberg

No one answered to the alleged fear of oppression and tyranny that the State could nullify or secede.

From Project Gutenberg

Quincys declaration contains no assertion of the sovereignty of a State, or right to secede at will.

From Project Gutenberg

Her convention, called for the purpose of considering the matter, voted not to secede.

From Project Gutenberg

For an hour or two he thought that he must gently secede from all private councils with the Prime Minister.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• break with