# separatist

/ˈsɛpɝətɪst/ (US) · /sˈɛpəɹˌætɪst/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

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

## Definition

a person who wants their region or group to break away from a larger country and become independent. They usually believe their group has a different culture or history that justifies having its own government.

For teachers: an advocate for the secession of a specific group of people or a territorial region from a larger political entity. Often associated with movements based on distinct ethnic, religious, or cultural identities.

## Examples

- The separatist group wants to form a new country.
- After years of political tension, the separatist leaders called for a referendum to decide the region's future independence.
- The government faced significant international pressure to negotiate with separatist factions that had established a parallel administration in the disputed northern provinces.

## Usage notes

- Often used as a modifier before other nouns, such as 'separatist movement' or 'separatist rebels'.

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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.