noun

secession

sih-SESH-un/sɪˈseʃn/

Formal withdrawal from a political union or organization.

The representative signs a document formalizing her state's secession from the federation.

A compact before-and-after view of a member state's formal withdrawal from an illustrative political federation: its representative moves from the joint council to a separate official desk, signing a sealed instrument under her state's flag while the remaining members continue together.

Etymology

seLatinapart, away

+cessLatinto go, withdraw

+ionLatinact or process

The pieces express an act of going apart. The political meaning turns that physical withdrawal into a group's departure from a union; early English use described Roman plebeians leaving the city to press their grievances.

In context

The People Profiles31:11

Booth wanted the country to stay together despite threats of secession from Alabama and other southern states. Others were willing to secede from the union over their views.

John Wilkes Booth - Why He Killed Lincoln

More examples

The constitution outlines a legal process for secession.
Union members vote against their local chapter's secession from the national organization.
Supporters of secession want the region to become an independent country.

Forms

secession · secessions

secede verb — To withdraw formally from a union.

secessionist noun — Someone who supports withdrawal from a union.

Similar words

withdrawal: Broader term for leaving; need not involve a political union.
separation: Emphasizes becoming distinct rather than formally leaving a union.