FIFTH COLUMN


Meaning of FIFTH COLUMN in English

transcription, транскрипция: [ noun ]

Etymology: name applied to rebel sympathizers in Madrid in 1936 when four rebel columns were advancing on the city

Date: 1936

: a group of secret sympathizers or supporters of an enemy that engage in espionage or sabotage within defense lines or national borders

• fifth col·um·nism -ˈkä-ləm-ˌ(n)i-zəm noun

• fifth col·um·nist -(n)ist noun

Merriam-Webster's Collegiate English vocabulary.      Энциклопедический словарь английского языка Merriam Webster.