resegregation
UK[ˌriːˌsɛɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən]US[ˌriːˌsɛɡrɪˈɡeɪʃən]
n
The action or process of segregating a group of people again, especially along racial lines, after a period of desegregation.
Morpheme Breakdown
re
segregation
re
again
segregation
separation
Etymology
The word 'resegregation' is a modern English formation built upon the established noun 'segregation.' The prefix 're-,' of Latin origin, is productively attached to verbs and nouns to indicate repetition or a return to a previous state. 'Segregation' itself derives from the Latin verb 'segregare,' meaning to set apart or isolate, which combines 'se-' (apart) and 'grex' (herd). The literal image is of removing a creature from its flock. In the 20th century, 'segregation' became specifically associated with the systemic separation of racial groups, particularly in the United States. Therefore, 'resegregation' logically narrates the process of returning to a state of racial separation after efforts at integration, directly linking the ancient concept of separation from a group to a specific modern socio-political phenomenon.
Analysis
Structure: re (again) + segregation (separation)
re: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "again" or "back."
segregation: From Latin 'segregare' (to separate from the flock), composed of 'se-' (apart) and 'grex' (flock, herd). In English, it functions as a noun meaning the enforced separation of different racial groups.
Examples
The study warned of a trend toward resegregation in urban public schools.
Policies that lead to resegregation undermine the progress of the civil rights movement.
The neighborhood's demographic shift resulted in its gradual resegregation.