# secede

/sɪˈsid/ (US) · /sɛsˈiːd/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/secede
Updated: 2026-05-26

## Definition

to leave a group, organization, or country to form your own separate one. You use this when a part of a larger group decides it no longer wants to be part of it.

For teachers: to withdraw from an alliance, federation, or other collective body. Often implies a formal or legal separation from a larger political entity.

## Examples

- The northern states decided to secede from the union.
- After years of political tension, the province voted to secede and establish its own independent government.
- The constitutional crisis reached a peak when the minority faction threatened to secede from the league unless their demands for greater autonomy were met by the following month.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.