apartheid
2 synonyms and 1 antonyms for apartheid, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — The system of racial segregation enforced by law in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Afrikaans apartheid, meaning "separateness," from apart ("separate") plus a suffix matching English "-hood."
Full origin of apartheid →Frequently asked questions
What does “apartheid” mean?
The word “apartheid” means the system of racial segregation enforced by law in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s. In plain terms, a legally enforced system of racial segregation, most famously in 20th-century South Africa.
How do you pronounce “apartheid”?
“Apartheid” is pronounced uh-PAHT-hayt (/əˈpɑːtheɪt/ in IPA).
How do you use “apartheid” in a sentence?
Here is “apartheid” used in a sentence: “Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid.”
What is the opposite of “apartheid”?
The opposite of “apartheid” — its antonyms — is antiapartheid.
What part of speech is “apartheid”?
“Apartheid” is a noun.
Where does the word “apartheid” come from?
The word “apartheid” comes from Afrikaans. Borrowed directly from Afrikaans apartheid, meaning "separateness," from apart ("separate") plus a suffix matching English "-hood.".
Is “apartheid” a common word?
“Apartheid” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “apartheid” have?
“Apartheid” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the system of racial segregation enforced by law in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s.
What is the difference between apartheid and general segregation?
Apartheid specifically refers to the system of racial segregation enforced by law in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s, making it a formal legal system rather than informal social practice. The term has broadened to describe any similar policy that legally separates or discriminates against a group based on a shared trait. So while all apartheid involves segregation, not all segregation is formally called apartheid unless it is systemic and legally enforced.
Can the word apartheid be used outside the South African context?
Yes, apartheid can describe any similar policy that legally separates or discriminates against a group based on a shared trait, not only the historical South African system. This extended use applies the term by analogy to other situations involving legally enforced discrimination.
When did apartheid end?
Apartheid as a legally enforced system of racial segregation in South Africa lasted from 1948 to the early 1990s. After this period, the specific legal system ended, though the word continues to be used for comparable discriminatory policies elsewhere.