semistate en · NOUN
Etymology
From semi- + state.
Meanings
-
A geopolitical region with some characteristics of a state.
Israel is trying to contain a new form of polity: a nonsovereign, semioccupied semistate controlled by Hamas, which is considered a terrorist group by the United States and the European Union and is officially committed to the destruction of the country obligated to provide it with fuel, electricity, water and food.
2008 February 17, Steven Erlanger, “For Israel, Gaza Offers a Range of Risky Choices”, in New York Times:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| semistates | Number=Plur | lexicographic |