The goal of every English language learner is to improve their vocabulary and refine their speech or writing. The main actions to achieve this include reading numerous publications, engaging in public speaking, and learning new English words. The last option requires taking drastic action and learning new words daily; we now look at the secede definition meaning and usage.
The word secede means the action taken by a group or a faction to separate or leave a bigger group of which it was a part. You may also use the word when describing an action where a region cuts itself off and becomes independent.
If you’re looking forward to learning about “secede,” you’ve come to the right place. Here, we take a word, define it extensively then show you how to use it in sentences correctly. You’ll even have practice sentences using the word secede in different contexts and an opportunity to make some yourself. Let’s get into it!
What is the Definition of Secede?
According to the Cambridge dictionary, the word secede is withdrawing or breaking off from a community or an organization. It refers to a region cutting off ties with the parent union or group.
You may use the word when describing discontinuation from business as usual with a larger organization. The smaller groups then go on to start doing their activities independently. For instance, a section of party members may leave their party and form a new one with different rules and structures from the larger one.
Here are example sentences:
- According to the party constitution, any parliament member planning to secede from the original party will have been deemed to have forfeited their parliamentary seat.
- Due to the constant battles in the company, a section of the company’s top management agreed to secede and start operations in a different country.
- We will welcome any village that secedes from that kingdom and offer them food, weapons, and protection.
Does Secede Apply in Countries Power Succession?
“Secede” also refers to the act of a part of a country or republic withdrawing from the larger country. The smaller region becomes an independent state and runs its affairs separately from the parent country.
Whenever the word “secede” comes up in conversation when there’s an issue with state succession or separation, it usually refers to a section of a country attempting to break off from the mother country. Such actions can either be formal or violent acts.
Here are some more examples with the word secede:
- Somaliland and Eritrea are examples of countries that managed to secede successfully from their parent countries.
- It’s a well-known fact that China does not want Hong Kong to secede and become an independent state.
- History has shown us that countries that were once part of bigger countries but seceded have done so through violence.
Is Secede a Criminal Offense?
For most countries, the secession of a section of that country may result in social, economic, and political instability. Additionally, the loss of valuable land or wealth is too much to bear. These effects cause countries or kingdoms to treat secession as a criminal offense.
However, in some cases, a country may decide to grant that select portion of the country independence to avoid the violence that comes with it.
Is Secede a Human Right?
Despite the action being looked upon unfavorably, the act of seceding is still considered a human right. This is because secession is based on the human right to self-determination, meaning that a part of any state can engage in secession. However, many countries will never agree to such activities within their borders.
What is the Meaning of Secede?
The term “secede” also refers to an individual cutting ties or splitting from a membership or an association. Unlike in the previous definition, where the act of succession might take place through violence, this form of secession happens cordially or formally.
“Secede” is often applicable in political matters; it can also describe individual acts. The word secede here is best used in cases where an individual decides to leave a group or community.
Here are some sentences:
- After much deliberation with other like-minded people, I’ve decided to secede from the company.
- I have heard rumors that individuals who secede from the cult receive threats, get harassed, and go missing in some cases.
- Mary’s parents wanted to take her children away from her after deciding to secede from the church of Jehovah’s Witnesses.
What’s the Difference Between Secede and Withdraw?
The words secede and withdraw might have similar meanings and, in some cases, used as synonyms for each other. However, these two words are technically different. Both words refer to removing or leaving a place for another; withdraw has broader meanings.
For instance, whenever someone uses the word withdraw, they might be referring to taking money out from the bank or leaving a particular place. However, “secede” is more political and has a more specific meaning, and is mostly related to sections of communities or a country leaving their parent country.
Is Secede a Negative Word?
Whereas many countries regard secession as an unlawful act, secession is still considered by scholars and lawyers as a neutral act. This is because the act is neither outlawed nor accepted by international laws, thus, presenting a gray area. Therefore, the word cannot be considered a positive or negative word.
How to Use Secede in a Sentence
The word secede is used as a noun, adverb, and adjective. It is important to understand the different versions of the word you intend to use. That way, you won’t have challenges with the said word in the future.
As an Adjective
The adjective form of the word secede is “secessionist.” The word describes a group or community with plans to secede or support secession activities.
Here are some examples in sentences:
- The government has decided to end all secessionist groups in the country, whether through negotiations or force.
- My friends and I have decided to join the secessionist movements to help make our new country independent.
As a Noun
“Secede” further changes to secession when used as a noun. The new word describes the act of seceding. Other words in the same category are secessionism and secessioning.
Here are some example sentences:
- The president has issued a shoot-to-kill order on all those citizens supporting the secession, making the country unstable.
- The people have decided to join the secession to create a company that will work on the software issues.
As an Adverb
The word “secede” changes to “secessionistically,” which describes how certain actions are being carried out.
Here are some more examples:
- The students were fond of acting secessionistically whenever things did not go their way.
- Hong Kong residents have been acting secessionistically, prompting the Chinese government to change tack.
10 Examples of Secede in a Sentence
Ready to practice using “secede, succession, secessionist” and other word forms of “secede” in sentences? Have a look at the examples below and start practicing.
- Those in the majority have felt cheated by the organization, prompting secession talks.
- The chairman stated in the meeting that the only way to prevent secession is to make amends and restore order.
- A section of Spanish citizens wanted to hold a referendum on whether or not to secede from the state.
- I couldn’t continue working with those kinds of people, so I decided to secede and start my company.
- If I were in Jesse Lingard’s position, I would have seceded from Manchester United years ago due to little playing time.
- Many citizens have threatened secessionist acts if their candidate is not released from prison.
- George had no choice but to join secession movements to help in the liberation struggle.
- The ladies did not secede from the human calculators’ group at NASA despite the racial discrimination they faced.
- No country would allow secession acts within their borders and would do anything to extinguish such groups.
- Somaliland has never been recognized as an independent state despite its successful secession from Somalia.
How Do You Spell Secede?
The word secede is spelled as S.E.C.E.D.E.
How Do You Pronounce Secede?
The best way to pronounce the word secede is [suh] [seed].
How Many Syllables Are In Secede?
The term secede two syllables; se.cede.
History & Etymology of Secede
The history of the word secede dates back to the 18th century, when its parent word secedere was used to refer to “going or moving away, revolt or retire” Back in 1755, the word was solely used in political situations to refer to the separation or the breaking of alliances. The word comprises two Latin words; se meaning “apart,” and cedere, meaning “to go.”
Synonyms Of The Word “Secede”
- Join
- Retreat
- Retire
- Secession
- Retract
- Leave
Antonyms Of The Word “Secede”
- Maintain
- Remain
- Hold
- Stay
- Continue
- Advance
When Was Secede First Used?
The word was first used as an English word back in 1749.
Conclusion
Learning new words such as secede shouldn’t be a bother now that you have this article for reference. Some of the best ways you can use to learn other words include writing them down in a specific notebook, doing word puzzles with a friend, and researching more on new words. Whether English is your first or second language, extensive reading and research should make your journey to English proficiency much easier.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.