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.