partizan etymology

Etymology

• Late Latin partisanus, from Latin pars, meaning "part," "side"

Meaning

• A strong supporter of a particular party, cause, or person
• A guerrilla fighter

Origin

The word "partisan" first emerged in the 14th century, referring to people who supported one side in a dispute or conflict. It was initially used to describe followers of the papacy or the Holy Roman Empire. By the 16th century, it had acquired the broader meaning of "a strong supporter of a particular party or cause."

In the 19th century, "partisan" began to be used to describe guerrilla fighters, particularly those who fought against conventional armies. This usage stemmed from the fact that guerrillas often operated in small, irregular groups that supported one side in a conflict.

Today, "partisan" is used in both its original and guerrilla senses.

partizan relate terms

• partisan

  Etymology The word partisan comes from the French word partisan which in turn comes

• partisan

  Etymology The word partisan comes from the French word partisan which in turn comes

• partisan

  Etymology The word partisan comes from the French word partisan which in turn comes

• champion

  Etymology The word champion comes from the Old French word champion which in turn d

• fiend

  Etymology The word fiend is ultimately derived from the Proto Germanic root fainijaz

• pike

  Etymology Pike is derived from the Middle English word pike which is in turn derived

• supporter

  Etymology The word supporter derives from the Late Latin word supportare meaning t

• addict

  Etymology The word addict is derived from the Latin word addicere which means to a

• protagonist

  Etymology The word protagonist is derived from the Greek words protos meaning fir