apartheid

/əˈpɑːtheɪt/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: apartheids · apartheiding · apartheided

Sense 1

Meaning · English

The policy of racial segregation in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

Noun

Examples

She don't care about the rest at all / She's got a system they call apartheid / It keeps a brother in a subjection

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Any similar policy of racial segregation or separation and discrimination, particularly when in favor of a minority rule.

Noun

Examples

The 1973 Apartheid Convention conferred universal jurisdiction to the state signatories to prosecute those who commit apartheid.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

To impose a policy of segregation of groups of people, especially one based on race.

Verb

Examples

Yes, apartheiding the apartheiders, is what the rest of the world is doing.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “apartheid” mean?

The policy of racial segregation in South Africa from 1948 to 1994.

Is “apartheid” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.