FIFTH COLUMN • FREE-TRANSLATOR.COM • Definition of Fifth column

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noun

fifth column n.

A group of persons inside the battle lines of a territory engaged in a conflict, who secretly sympathize with the enemy, and who engage in espionage or sabotage; sometimes also referred to as a trojan horse.

Hence, any faction of persons within a group who secretly sympathize with an enemy, especially those who engage in activities harmful to the group; an enemy in one's midst; a group of traitors.

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Etymology of 'Fifth column'

Collaborative International Dictionary of English 0.48

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Words linked to "Fifth column" : saboteur, unit, social unit, fifth columnist