'separatist' originates from the Latin word 'separatus,' which is the past participle of 'separare,' meaning 'to separate.'

'separatus' transformed into the French word 'séparatiste,' and eventually became the modern English word 'separatist.'

Initially, it meant 'one who separates,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a person advocating for separation based on specific criteria.'