faction
pronunciation
How to pronounce faction in British English:
UK [ˈfækʃn]
How to pronounce faction in American English:
US [ˈfækʃn]
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- Noun:
- a clique (often secret) that seeks power usually through intrigue
- a dissenting clique
Word Origin
- faction
- faction: see fashion
- faction (n.1)
- c. 1500, from Middle French faction (14c.) and directly from Latin factionem (nominative factio) "political party, class of persons," literally "a making or doing," noun of action from past participle stem of facere "to do" (see factitious). In ancient Rome, originally "one of the four teams of contenders for the chariot races in the circus," distinguished by the color of their dress. Later "oligarchy, usurping faction, party seeking by irregular means to bring about a change in government." A spirit of faction, which is apt to mingle its poison in the deliberations of all bodies of men, will often hurry the persons of whom they are composed into improprieties and excesses for which they would blush in a private capacity. [Hamilton, "The Federalist," No. xv]
- faction (n.2)
- "fictional narrative based on real characters or events, 1967, a blend of fact and fiction.
Example
- 1. The enlightened have been known for being a powerful support faction .
- 2. For 28 years mr flores led the shining path 's faction in the huallaga valley .
- 3. He leads a small centrist faction in the israeli knesset .
- 4. After the us invasion in 2001 , a faction of hizb-e-islami led by hekmatyar joined the insurgency .
- 5. The new ruler might-so the plan goes-reach out to one faction of the mdc and form a national unity government .