Meaning & Definition of word "Confederate"
Confederate
/kənˈfɛd.ər.ɪt/
noun:
- 1. A person, group, or nation that is joined with others in a confederation or alliance.
- Example: The confederates worked together to achieve their common goals.
- 2. An accomplice or ally in a crime.
- Example: He was sentenced to prison for being a confederate in the robbery.
verb:
- 1. To unite or ally in a confederation.
- Example: The states decided to confederate for mutual support.
adjective:
- 1. Joined together in a league or alliance.
- Example: The confederate states fought together during the Civil War.
Etymology
●From Latin 'confoederatus', past participle of 'confoederare' meaning 'to join in a league'.
Common Phrases and Expressions
confederate states:
The group of southern U.S. states that seceded from the Union during the Civil War.
confederate soldier:
A soldier who fought for the Confederate States during the American Civil War.
confederate army:
The land and naval military forces of the Confederate States.
Related Words
confederation:
A union of political organizations or states for a common purpose.
federation:
A group of states with a central government but independence in internal affairs.
league:
A collection of people, countries, or groups that combine for a particular purpose.
Slang Meanings of confederate
Meaning: A colloquial term for someone who sides with a cause, often used in historical contexts.
● Example Sentence: He was called a confederate by his friends for supporting the old ways.
Meaning: Used informally to denote a partner in crime or mischievous activities.
● Example Sentence: They were confederates in their juvenile escapades.