Federation
/ˌfɛd.əˈreɪ.ʃən/noun
A union of states, groups, or organizations under a central authority while retaining some independence.
Did you know?Federation ultimately comes from Latin foedus, meaning a treaty or pact, so its oldest sense is less ‘government’ and more ‘binding agreement’—the kind of word that once sealed alliances.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*bʰeydʰ-
“to trust, persuade, or induce confidence”
Latin
Latin
foedus
“a treaty, league, or solemn pact”
Latin
Latin
foederatio
“a league, alliance, or joining together”
Middle French
Old French
fédération
“an alliance or confederation”
Modern English
English
federation
“a union of states or groups under a central system”