FIFTH COLUMN


Meaning of FIFTH COLUMN in English

Function: 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 \ - ' kä-l ə m- ˌ (n)i-z ə m \ noun

– fifth col · um · nist \ -(n)ist \ noun

Merriam Webster Collegiate English Dictionary.      Merriam Webster - Энциклопедический словарь английского языка.