fifth column
Noun: A clandestine group of people within a country's borders who work to undermine its national security, stability, or war effort by aiding an external enemy. Their activities typically include espionage, sabotage, propaganda, and preparing for potential invasion or uprising. The term metaphorically describes an enemy force operating secretly behind the front lines.
The term is used to describe a perceived internal threat that is ideologically aligned with or actively working for a foreign adversary. It is often used in political, military, and journalistic contexts.
Examples: * The government feared that sympathizers living in the capital city could act as a fifth column in the event of war. * During the conflict, authorities arrested several individuals suspected of being part of a fifth column. * The propaganda accused political dissenters of being a fifth column for the opposing superpower.
- "Fifth columnist": A member of a fifth column.
- The captured spy was identified as a known fifth columnist.
- The concept is often invoked rhetorically to discredit political opponents by accusing them of treasonous loyalty to a foreign power.
- Fifth columnist (n): An individual who is part of a fifth column.
- Saboteur (n): A person who engages in sabotage.
- Subversive (n/adj): (A person) seeking to undermine or overthrow an established system.
- Trojan horse
- Enemy within
- Subversive element
The term originated during the Spanish Civil War (1936–1939). A nationalist general, Emilio Mola, stated that four of his army columns were advancing on Madrid, while a "fifth column" (quinta columna) of sympathizers inside the city would rise up to support them. It has since become a standard term for any internal group working for an external enemy.
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a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst
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