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separationism

separationism

8.8
Support for keeping government and religion apart
  • noun
  • /ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃənɪzəm/
translation icon : separatismo
  • The concept of separationism is vital in preserving the rights of individuals in a diverse society.

Examples

  • I know that under the most extreme conditions, such separationism becomes very difficult.

    Blog text (6)
  • Many political groups advocate for separationism to ensure that religious influence does not affect government policies.

  • Advocates of separationism argue that a clear division between church and state is essential for democracy.

Synonyms

secularism
vsseparationism
16 6.8

The idea that religion should not be part of government, schools, or public life

focuses on a strict institutional division between religion and state
laicism
vsseparationism
  • Formal
9.9

Keeping religion separate from government and places like schools

advocates a stricter division and emphasizes ideas over formal rules

Surface Forms

separationism singular

Morphology

separationism = separation (transparent) = separate + ism

The noun 'separation' plus the productive suffix '-ism' (denoting an ideology or doctrine) yields a predictable meaning: an ideology supporting separation.

Etymology

Separationism comes from separation meaning 'keeping things apart' and the ending -ism meaning 'a belief or system'. So, separationism is the belief in keeping religion and government strictly apart, which explains its modern use for the idea of a clear division between church and state.