intifada
UK[ˌɪntɪˈfɑːdə]US[ˌɪntɪˈfɑːdə]
n
a rebellion or uprising, specifically referring to the Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation, particularly those beginning in 1987 and 2000.
Etymology
the term 'intifada' is a loanword from modern standard arabic, originating from the root verb 'nafada', which carries the sense of shaking off, shaking out, or getting rid of something. the noun form 'intifāḍah' literally translates to 'a shaking off' or 'an uprising'. it entered english in the late 20th century, specifically through media coverage of the palestinian resistance movements. the word's core semantic logic—shaking off a burden or oppressive force—directly informs its modern political meaning of a concerted uprising or rebellion.
Analysis
the word is a direct loanword from arabic and is not meaningfully segmentable using english or latin/greek morphemes.
Examples
the first intifada was characterized by widespread civil disobedience and strikes.
the term intifada has become synonymous with palestinian resistance.
journalists reported on the escalating violence during the second intifada.