Zionist
AI-assisted draft · not yet reviewed by an editor · How we check entries
Meaning
A supporter of Zionism; a person who believes in the development and protection of a Jewish nation in what is now Israel.
Relating to or supporting Zionism.
Structure
Usage
She became a committed Zionist after learning about the history of the Jewish diaspora.
The conference brought together Zionist leaders from around the world.
His Zionist beliefs influenced his decision to immigrate to Israel.
Etymology
The word 'Zionist' is a modern political formation, coined in the late 19th century. Its core, 'Zion', derives from the Hebrew 'Ṣîyyôn', the name of an ancient citadel in Jerusalem that, through biblical literature, became a potent symbol for the city itself, the Land of Israel, and the Jewish people's spiritual and national aspirations. The suffix '-ist', of Greek origin via Latin, denotes a person who advocates a particular practice or ideology. Thus, a 'Zionist' literally means 'an adherent or supporter of (the cause of) Zion', concretely manifesting as the movement for Jewish self-determination and sovereignty in their historical homeland.
Analysis
- Zion: From Hebrew Ṣîyyôn, originally the name of a hill fortress in Jerusalem, later a symbolic term for Jerusalem, the Jewish people, and their homeland. Functions as the core proper noun. - ist: From Greek -istēs, via Latin -ista, a suffix forming agent nouns denoting an adherent of a doctrine or system. Functions as a derivational suffix.