separatist

the word 'separatist' is a modern english formation built upon the established verb 'separate'. the core latin root 'separare' literally meant 'to make ready apart', combining the intensive prefix 'se-' (apart) with 'parare' (to make ready, arrange). this evolved into the general english meaning of 'to set apart or divide'. the suffix '-ist', of greek origin via latin, was productively attached to nouns and verbs from the 16th century onward to denote a person who advocates a specific doctrine or practice. thus, a 'separatist' is literally 'one who advocates for separation', a meaning that solidified in political and religious contexts from the 17th century.

Structure: separate (to set apart) + ist (one who advocates) separate (from latin 'separatus', past participle of 'separare' meaning to pull apart, from 'se-' apart + 'parare' to make ready); ist (from greek '-istes' via latin '-ista', agent noun suffix denoting a person who practices or is concerned with something).