secession

noun

se·​ces·​sion si-ˈse-shən 

1

: withdrawal into privacy or solitude : retirement

2

: formal withdrawal from an organization

Examples of secession in a Sentence

the secession of the Southern states

Recent Examples on the Web

The hotel's 86 guest rooms and 52 suites feature residential comforts, abundant sunlight, and a contemporary design that honors the work of artists from the Vienna secession art movement. —Lindsey Tramuta, Travel + Leisure, 19 Dec. 2025

Both Abraham Lincoln and his successor Andrew Johnson issued pardons and amnesty to former Confederate citizens, with the aim of helping the nation come back together after secession and the Civil War. —Stewart Ulrich, The Conversation, 15 Dec. 2025

Proposals for greater autonomy, even for a secession in order to become part of Norway, have been floated. —Alex Ross, New Yorker, 24 Nov. 2025

Proponents of Illinois secession are serious about leaving Illinois, but don't necessarily want to join Indiana. —Hayleigh Colombo, IndyStar, 24 Oct. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Latin secession-, secessio, from secedere

First Known Use

1604, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Rhymes for secession

• accession
• aggression
• compression
• concession
• confession
• depression
• digression
• discretion
• expression
• impression
• obsession
• oppression

Kids Definition

secession

noun

se·​ces·​sion si-ˈsesh-ən 

: the act of seceding