segregation

/ˈsɛgrəˌgeɪʃən/

/sɛgrəˈgeɪʃən/

Other forms: segregations

Segregation is a system that keeps different groups separate from each other, either through physical dividers or using social pressures and laws.

The Latin root literally means “separated from the flock,” and splitting a big flock of sheep into smaller groups is segregation. For many decades in the United States, “separate but equal” was the phrase used to describe the unjust racial segregation of black people and white people. There are harmless types of segregation as well, like "the segregation of dog food and human food in your cupboards."

Definitions of segregation

1. noun

   the act of segregating or sequestering
   synonyms: sequestration

   antonyms:

   integration

   the action of incorporating a racial or religious group into a community

   type of:

   separation

   the social act of separating or parting company
2. noun

   a social system that provides separate facilities for minority groups
   synonyms: separatism

   types:

   racial segregation

   segregation by race

   de facto segregation

   segregation (especially in schools) that happens in fact although not required by law

   de jure segregation

   segregation that is imposed by law

   purdah, sex segregation

   the traditional Hindu or Muslim system of keeping women secluded

   white separatism

   a social system in which white people live separately from members of other races

   petty apartheid

   racial segregation enforced primarily in public transportation and hotels and restaurants and other public places

   type of:

   social organisation, social organization, social structure, social system, structure

   the people in a society considered as a system organized by a characteristic pattern of relationships
3. noun

   (genetics) the separation of paired alleles during meiosis so that members of each pair of alleles appear in different gametes
   type of:

   biological process, organic process

   a process occurring in living organisms