# secession

/sɪˈsɛʃən/ (US) · /sɛsˈɛʃən/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/secession
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Definition

the act of a group or region officially leaving a larger country or organization to become independent.

For teachers: the formal withdrawal of a constituent member from a federation, union, or political entity. Often carries legal or constitutional implications regarding sovereignty.

## Examples

- The region's leaders are debating secession from the union.
- The southern provinces threatened secession if the central government refused to grant them greater control over local resources.
- Historians often analyze the economic disparities and cultural tensions that eventually culminated in the state's formal act of secession and the subsequent outbreak of civil war.

## Usage notes

- Uncountable when referring to the general concept; countable when referring to a specific historical instance.

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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.