How Do You Spell FIFTH COLUMN?

Pronunciation: [fˈɪfθ kˈɒlʌm] (IPA)

The phrase "fifth column" refers to a group of people who work secretly within a larger group, often with the aim of sabotaging it. The spelling is quite straightforward, with each word spelled as it sounds. The first word has a long "i" sound like "fife," and the second word is pronounced as it's spelled, with the stress on the first syllable ("kahl-um"). Together, the phrase is pronounced like "fifth kahl-um." This phrase originated during the Spanish Civil War, when General Emilio Mola claimed he had four columns of troops advancing towards Madrid, with an imaginary fifth column of supporters already within the city.

FIFTH COLUMN Meaning and Definition

1. The term "fifth column" refers to a clandestine group or organization that operates within a country or entity, with the covert intention of undermining or sabotaging its activities from within. The fifth column usually aligns themselves with an external adversary or enemy, and their actions are aimed at weakening the targeted nation or entity in preparation for an invasion or conquest.

   Originally coined during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s, the term "fifth column" draws its name from a military strategy in which a group of soldiers or combatants infiltrate the defensive lines of an opposing force. Similarly, the fifth column in the non-military context infiltrates and operates within the governmental, societal, or cultural structures of a targeted nation.

   The activities of a fifth column can vary widely, including espionage, acts of sabotage, spreading propaganda, inciting unrest, or even engaging in acts of violence or terrorism. These actions are typically coordinated with the enemy forces outside the country, providing them with valuable information, establishing footholds, or creating conditions that favor the external forces' invasion or dominance.

   The term "fifth column" also serves as a metaphor to describe individuals or groups within a nation who support or collude with the enemy, whether knowingly or unknowingly, to undermine political stability, social cohesion, or national security. It embodies the concept of betrayal or treachery from within, posing a significant threat to the integrity, sovereignty, and well-being of a nation or entity.

Common Misspellings for FIFTH COLUMN

• difth column
• cifth column
• vifth column
• gifth column
• tifth column
• rifth column
• fufth column
• fjfth column
• fkfth column
• fofth column
• f9fth column
• f8fth column
• fidth column
• ficth column
• fivth column
• figth column
• fitth column
• firth column
• fifrh column

Etymology of FIFTH COLUMN

The term "fifth column" originated during the Spanish Civil War in the 1930s. It was popularized by General Emilio Mola, a Nationalist military leader, who used the term to describe a group of nationalist sympathizers within Madrid whom he claimed were working covertly to aid the Nationalist forces during the siege of the city.

The phrase itself comes from military terminology. A typical military formation during that time involved four columns attacking or surrounding an enemy city or territory. The "fifth column" was an additional, covert group, which was thought to pose a threat from within the targeted region.

The term gained broader usage during World War II when it was adopted by various governments and journalists to refer to spies, saboteurs, and collaborators operating within their own countries to aid an invading or occupying force.

Idioms with the word FIFTH COLUMN

• fifth column Fifth column refers to a group of secret sympathizers or supporters within a country, organization, or group who work to undermine it or work in favor of an enemy or rival group.

Similar spelling word for FIFTH COLUMN

• fifth columnist.