sectarian

[sek-tair-ee-uhn]

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.

noun

1. a member of a sect.

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

sectarian

/ 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

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of sectarian¹

First recorded in 1640–50; sectary + -an

Example Sentences

Also on Tuesday, a young mother from the Catholic community told BBC News NI she fled her home three weeks ago, claiming her children were subjected to sectarian abuse.

From BBC

Politicians in north Belfast have said they are making "constructive" progress in their efforts to find a solution to racist and sectarian attacks in the area.

From BBC

Palestinian fighters became involved in the sectarian conflict, with many based in Lebanon's south, where most of Sadr's followers lived.

From BBC

He said residents had been targeted in sectarian attacks for several years and called for a multi-agency meeting to address the problems and "drive home the message that these communities deserve investment".

From BBC

In July, Israel bombed Syrian government forces around Suweida in the country's south as the army entered the predominantly Druze city following deadly sectarian clashes.

From BBC

Related Words

• factional 
• parochial 
• partisan