Definition

1. Noun:
   • Excessive attachment to a particular sect, party, or denomination: A rigid, narrow-minded, and often prejudiced loyalty to the beliefs, interests, or identity of one's own group, typically leading to conflict with or intolerance of other groups. This is most commonly associated with religious divisions but can apply to other ideological factions.

Usage

• Sectarianism is an uncountable noun. It describes an abstract concept or state of mind, not a physical object.
• It is typically used in formal or analytical contexts to discuss social, political, or religious conflict, division, and prejudice.
• It often carries a negative connotation, implying bigotry, parochialism, and a harmful "us vs. them" mentality.

Examples

• The country's history has been scarred by deep-seated sectarianism between the two main religious communities.
• The political debate was poisoned by sectarianism, with each side refusing to acknowledge any merit in the other's arguments.
• The leader's speech called for national unity and an end to sectarianism in all its forms.

Advanced Usage

• "The sectarianism of...": This phrase is used to specify the narrow-minded attitude inherent in a particular group or ideology.
  • The sectarianism of the early movement eventually led to its fragmentation into several rival factions.
• As a causal or explanatory factor: Sectarianism is often presented as the cause of conflict or stagnation.
  • The failure to form a coalition government was largely due to entrenched political sectarianism.

Variants and Related Words

• Sectarian (adjective): Pertaining to or characteristic of a sect or sects; demonstrating sectarianism.
  • The violence was driven by sectarian hatred.
• Sectarian (noun): A member of a sect; a person who advocates sectarianism.
  • The agreement was rejected by hardline sectarians on both sides.
• Sect (noun): A group of people with somewhat different religious beliefs (or other beliefs) from those of a larger group to which they belong.
• Denominationalism: Attachment to one's own religious denomination, similar to religious sectarianism but sometimes with a less confrontational connotation.

Synonyms

• Factionalism: Conflict between factions within a group.
• Partisanship: Prejudiced allegiance to a particular party, group, or cause.
• Tribalism: Behavior and attitudes that stem from strong loyalty to one's own tribe or social group.
• Bigotry: Obstinate or intolerant devotion to one's own opinions and prejudices.

Antonyms

• Ecumenism: The principle or aim of promoting unity among the world's Christian churches; by extension, a spirit of cooperation and unity among different groups.
• Inclusivity: The practice or policy of including people who might otherwise be excluded or marginalized.
• Pluralism: A condition or system in which multiple distinct groups, beliefs, or ideologies coexist within a society.

Related Idioms and Phrases

• "To rise above sectarianism": To overcome narrow group loyalties for a broader, more common good.
  • The true statesman must rise above sectarianism and govern for all the people.
• "Sectarian violence/strife/conflict": Violence or conflict specifically motivated by sectarian divisions.
  • The city was a flashpoint for sectarian violence during the civil war.

Noun

1. a narrow-minded adherence to a particular sect or party or denomination
   • he condemned religious sectarianism