partisan

noun (1)

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par·ti·san | \ ˈpär-tə-zən

, -sən

, -ˌzan, chiefly British ˌpär-tə-ˈzan \

variants: or less commonly partizan

Definition of partisan

(Entry 1 of 3)

1 : a firm adherent to a party, faction, cause, or person especially : one exhibiting blind, prejudiced, and unreasoning allegiance political partisans who see only one side of the problem

2a : a member of a body of detached light troops making forays and harassing an enemy Peasant partisans assaulted the French army.

b : a member of a guerrilla band operating within enemy lines Polish partisans had blown up two trains — Springfield (Massachusetts) Union

partisan

adjective

Definition of partisan (Entry 2 of 3)

1 : feeling, showing, or deriving from strong and sometimes blind adherence to a particular party, faction, cause, or person : exhibiting, characterized by, or resulting from partisanship partisan politics partisan loyalty Secularism is indeed correlated with greater tolerance of gay marriage and pot legalization. But it's also making America's partisan clashes more brutal.— Peter Beinart The editorial page of the newspaper captured the mood of an America frustrated by partisan division …— Joseph Cress The modern Democratic party may honor the cerebral Jefferson as one of its founders, but the true paternity lies with the fiercely partisan Jackson. He made it a fighting electoral force.— Bernard A. Weisberger

2 : of, carried on by, or being military partisans partisan fighters partisan warfare

partisan

noun (2)

par·ti·san | \ ˈpär-tə-zən

, -sən \

variants: or partizan

Definition of partisan (Entry 3 of 3)

: a weapon of the 16th and 17th centuries with long shaft and broad blade

Other Words from partisan Synonyms & Antonyms Choose the Right Synonym Partisan and Politics Learn More About partisan

Choose the Right Synonym for partisan

Noun (1)

follower, adherent, disciple, partisan mean one who gives full loyalty and support to another. follower may apply to people who attach themselves either to the person or beliefs of another. an evangelist and his followers adherent suggests a close and persistent attachment. adherents to Marxism disciple implies a devoted allegiance to the teachings of one chosen as a master. disciples of Gandhi partisan suggests a zealous often prejudiced attachment. partisans of the President