verb
secede
sih-SEED/sɪˈsiːd/
To formally withdraw from a political union or organization.
The province threatens to secede from the union over new taxes.
Etymology
To secede is literally to “go apart.” The earlier meaning of leaving one’s companions or withdrawing became the more specific act of withdrawing from a political or religious union.
In context
Others were willing to secede from the union over their views. On the 20th of December 1860 South Carolina led the way and became the first state to declare independence from the United States.
More examples
- The local chapter seceded from the national organization after a dispute.
- Voters reject a proposal to secede and form an independent country.
- The constitution prevents member states from seceding without approval.
Forms
secede · secedes · seceded · seceding
secession noun — Formal withdrawal from a union or organization.
secessionist noun — Someone who supports withdrawal from a union.