fifth column
The term "fifth column" originated during the Spanish Civil War, referring to a covert group that works within a nation or organization to assist an external enemy.
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Definition
C1Political and Military
(formal, historical)A secret group within a country or organization that helps an enemy by undermining its stability and security.
Example
- The government discovered a fifth column operating within its borders, passing information to the enemy.
- During wartime, the presence of a fifth column can be particularly damaging to national morale.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "fifth column":