Fifth Column

Pronunciation: /fɪfθ ˈkɒləm/

Definitions of fifth column

noun a clandestine or subversive group that works within a larger organization or country to undermine its operations or goals

Example Sentences

A1 I heard about a fifth column in the city, but I'm not sure what it means.

A2 The spy was suspected of being part of a fifth column working against the government.

B1 During the war, there were rumors of a fifth column operating within the country.

B2 The military had to take action to root out the fifth column before they could cause any more damage.

C1 The existence of a fifth column posed a serious threat to national security.

C2 Intelligence agencies worked tirelessly to uncover the members of the fifth column and dismantle their operations.

Examples of fifth column in a Sentence

formal The government was concerned about the presence of a fifth column within the country.

informal They suspected that there was a fifth column working against them from within.

slang The authorities were on high alert for any signs of a fifth column activity.

figurative In times of crisis, it's important to be vigilant for any potential fifth column threats.

Grammatical Forms of fifth column

• past tense: fifth columned
• plural: fifth columns
• comparative: more fifth column
• superlative: most fifth column
• present tense: fifth columns
• future tense: will fifth column
• perfect tense: have fifth columned
• continuous tense: is fifth columning
• singular: fifth column
• positive degree: fifth column
• infinitive: to fifth column
• gerund: fifth columning
• participle: fifth columned

Origin and Evolution of fifth column

First Known Use: 1936 year

Language of Origin: Spanish

Story behind the word: The term 'fifth column' originated during the Spanish Civil War when General Emilio Mola coined the phrase to describe a group of Nationalist sympathizers within Madrid who would support the Nationalist forces when they attacked the city.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the term 'fifth column' has evolved to refer to any group of people who clandestinely undermine a larger group from within, often with the intent of aiding an external enemy. It has become a widely used term in politics and warfare to describe such subversive activities.