faction
fac·tion
noun \ˈfak-shən\Definition of FACTION
1
: a party or group (as within a government) that is often contentious or self-seeking : clique
2
: party spirit especially when marked by dissension
— fac·tion·al \-shnəl, -shə-nəl\ adjective
— fac·tion·al·ism \-shnə-ˌli-zəm, -shə-nə-ˌliz-\ noun
— fac·tion·al·ly \-ē\ adverb
See Examples of FACTION
- The committee soon split into factions.
- <several factions within the environmental movement have joined forces to save this wilderness area>
Origin of FACTION
Middle French & Latin; Middle French, from Latin faction-, factio act of making, faction — more at fashion
First Known Use: 1509
Related to FACTION
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