redistricting
UK[ˌriːˈdɪstrɪktɪŋ]US[ˌriːˈdɪstrɪktɪŋ]
n
the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral districts, typically to reflect changes in population.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
district
ing
re
again
district
administrative area
ing
noun suffix
Etymology
the word 'redistricting' is a modern american english compound built upon the established noun 'district'. the core element 'district' originates from latin districtus, implying an area drawn out or under jurisdiction. the prefix 're-', from latin, signifies repetition, attaching to 'district' to denote the action of drawing these boundaries anew. finally, the gerund suffix '-ing' nominalizes the entire process, creating a term specifically for the cyclical political act of revising electoral maps.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + district (administrative area) + ing (noun suffix)
re: from latin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back".
district: from latin districtus (past participle of distringere meaning "to draw apart, hinder"), via italian distretto and french, meaning a territory of jurisdiction.
ing: from old english -ung, -ing, a suffix forming verbal nouns indicating an action or process.
Examples
the state legislature will begin the contentious process of redistricting next year.
critics argued that the new redistricting plan was an act of gerrymandering.
after each census, redistricting is necessary to ensure equal representation.