intifada

UK: ˌɪntɪˈfɑːdə | US: ˌɪntɪˈfɑːdə

Definition

  1. n. a rebellion or uprising, specifically referring to Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation.

Structure
intifa <shaking off>da <noun suffix>
Etymology

The word "intifada" comes from Arabic انتفاضة (intifāḍa), meaning "shaking off" or "uprising." It combines the root ن-ف-ض (n-f-ḍ), associated with shaking or removing, and the noun-forming suffix -a. Historically, it gained global prominence during the Palestinian uprisings (1987–1993 and 2000–2005), symbolizing resistance through its vivid metaphor of "shaking off" oppression.

Examples

  1. The First Intifada began in 1987 as a grassroots movement against Israeli control.

  2. Stone-throwing became a symbolic act of resistance during the intifada.

  3. The term "intifada" is now used metaphorically for other anti-oppression movements.

  4. Media coverage of the intifada shaped international perceptions of the conflict.

  5. Negotiations followed the Second Intifada, though tensions persisted.