noun
Uncommon
apartheid
uh-PAHT-hayt
Apartheid (noun) means the system of racial segregation enforced by law in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s. Example: “Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid.”
noun
1
The system of racial segregation enforced by law in South Africa from 1948 to the early 1990s.
"The reality, however, is a disquieting and entirely white town, littered with old apartheid flags and monuments to the architects of segregation."
— Dennis Webster, 'An indictment of South Africa': whites-only town Orania is booming (2019)
"Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing apartheid."
"Our history class studied how apartheid affected schools, housing and jobs in South Africa."
"The museum has an exhibition about the long struggle against apartheid."
2
Any similar policy that legally separates or discriminates against a group based on a shared trait.
"Critics accused the regime of practicing a form of economic apartheid."
How to use apartheid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA legally enforced system of racial segregation, most famously in 20th-century South Africa.
When to use it
A historically loaded term — using it outside the South African context (e.g., "gender apartheid") is a strong rhetorical comparison, not a neutral description.
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like apartheid.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice
Word forms
- Plural
- apartheids
- Third person singular
- apartheids
- Past tense
- apartheided
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Nelson Mandela spent 27 years in prison for opposing _____.
Etymology
Borrowed directly from Afrikaans apartheid, meaning "separateness," from apart ("separate") plus a suffix matching English "-hood."
Synonyms
View more →
racial segregation
segregationism
Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for apartheid
See all rhymes for 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.
Featured in
Vocabulary lists that include apartheid:
