How Do You Spell INTIFADAH?

Pronunciation: [ɪntˈɪfadə] (IPA)

The word "intifadah" refers to a Palestinian uprising against Israel. It is spelled with the letter "a" after the "d", creating the sound "-da". In IPA phonetic transcription, this sound is represented as /da/. The "f" is pronounced with a voiceless labiodental fricative, written as /f/. The "ih" vowel in the middle of the word is short and pronounced as /ɪ/. Overall, the correct spelling and pronunciation of this word is important in understanding the history and politics of the Middle East.

INTIFADAH Meaning and Definition

1. Intifadah, also spelled intifada, is an Arabic word that translates to "shaking off" or "tremor." The term is predominantly used to refer to two major uprisings by Palestinians against Israeli occupation and oppression in the Palestinian territories of the West Bank and Gaza Strip.

   The first intifadah occurred in 1987, lasting for around six years. It was characterized by widespread civil disobedience, grassroots resistance, and acts of violence such as stone-throwing and Molotov cocktails against Israeli military forces. The uprising aimed to challenge Israeli control and demand independence, self-determination, and an end to the Israeli occupation.

   The second intifadah began in 2000 and was more intense and violent than its predecessor. It emerged as a response to failed peace negotiations, increased Israeli settlement construction, and Ariel Sharon's visit to Jerusalem's Temple Mount, a site considered holy by both Muslims and Jews. This uprising witnessed suicide bombings, armed confrontations, and heavy Israeli military reprisals.

   The intifadahs had significant political, social, and cultural implications, galvanizing Palestinian nationalism, raising global awareness of the Palestinian cause, and leading to shifts in Israel's policies. The intifadahs also resulted in substantial loss of life and economic hardship for Palestinian civilians, as well as placing tremendous strain on Israeli-Palestinian relations and the peace process.

   In a broader sense, the term intifadah has been used to describe popular uprisings or revolutions seeking self-determination and freedom from oppression, inspired by these Palestinian movements. It has become symbolic of resistance against oppression and struggles for justice and equality.

Etymology of INTIFADAH

The word "intifadah" is derived from Arabic, specifically from the root word "nafada", which means "to shake off" or "to shake up". In Arabic, "intifadah" (انتفاضة) is translated as "uprising", "resistance", or "revolt". The term gained significant attention and usage during the Palestinian uprisings against Israeli occupation in the late 20th century, particularly during the First Intifada, which began in 1987.

Similar spelling words for INTIFADAH

• intefada,
• intefadeh,
• intifada.