FIFTH COLUMN

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does fifth column mean? 

• FIFTH COLUMN (noun)
  The noun FIFTH COLUMN has 1 sense:

1. a subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst

  Familiarity information: FIFTH COLUMN used as a noun is very rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• FIFTH COLUMN (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

A subversive group that supports the enemy and engages in espionage or sabotage; an enemy in your midst

Classified under:

Nouns denoting groupings of people or objects

Synonyms:

fifth column; Trojan horse

Hypernyms ("fifth column" is a kind of...):

social unit; unit (an organization regarded as part of a larger social group)

Meronyms (members of "fifth column"):

fifth columnist; saboteur (a member of a clandestine subversive organization who tries to help a potential invader)