sectarian

American  

[sek-tair-ee-uhn] / sɛkˈtɛər i ən /

adjective

1. of or relating to sectaries or sects.

2. narrowly confined or devoted to a particular sect.

3. narrowly confined or limited in interest, purpose, scope, etc.

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noun

1. a member of a sect.

2. a bigoted or narrow-minded adherent of a sect.

sectarian British  

/ sɛkˈtɛərɪən /

adjective

1. of, belonging or relating to, or characteristic of sects or sectaries

2. adhering to a particular sect, faction, or doctrine

3. narrow-minded, esp as a result of rigid adherence to a particular sect

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noun

1. a member of a sect or faction, esp one who is bigoted in his adherence to its doctrines or in his intolerance towards other sects, etc

Other Word Forms

• sectarianism noun
• sectarianly adverb
• unsectarian adjective

Etymology

Origin of sectarian

First recorded in 1640–50; sectary + -an

Example Sentences

If Washington is serious about a stable Syria, it must use its leverage now before sectarian fractures harden beyond repair.

From The Wall Street Journal

As Bangladesh votes on Thursday after a spate of deadly sectarian violence, Suchitra Biswas from the minority Hindu community yearns only for peace and harmony.

From Barron's

According to police figures released in January, out of 645 incidents involving members of minority groups in 2025 -- only 12 percent were classified as having a sectarian motive.

From Barron's

Asked if the government made mistakes in its response to the sectarian violence, she replies: "Mistakes happen in transition, in post-conflict; no-one is happy about it, including the president."

From BBC

Though millions live peacefully side by side, religious and ethnic identity remains a sensitive topic in a country that has seen sectarian violence throughout its history.

From Barron's

Related Words

• factional
• parochial
• partisan