apartheid
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.”
How to use apartheid
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA legally enforced system of racial segregation, most famously in 20th-century South Africa.
A historically loaded term — using it outside the South African context (e.g., "gender apartheid") is a strong rhetorical comparison, not a neutral description.
Word forms
apartheided past tense, apartheids plural, apartheids singular
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
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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.
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