Nakba

/ˈnɑːkbə/ · noun

Meaning

In Arab contexts: a catastrophe; a grave setback..

Definitions by Sense

1. In Arab contexts: a catastrophe; a grave setback.
2. Alternative letter-case form of Nakba.

Example Sentences

Our President is admitting that the war has been a nakba, a setback. 'I take full personal responsibility.' 'But not for long,' murmurs Mahmoud, in whose company I am watching this ultra-dramatic moment.

A second nakba happened after the 1967 Six Day War, when Israel captured Arab land that belonged to Jordan and Egypt; another 325,000 Palestinians left their homes.

But for now, there is no prophet amongst the politicians, and the only prophecies to be heard are of nakbas and holocausts.

That al-Husayni [Amin al-Husseini]'s political career has not received balanced and impartial treatment is, of course, not remarkable in view of the passion his name has always inspired. Some Arab biographers have lauded him and his cause, seeking to absolve him of any responsibility for the 1948 nakba, while Jewish nationalists vilify him and discredit his movement.

Indeed, violence broke out in the occupied territories in mid-May 2000 as Palestinians observed the anniversary of the 1948 nakba—these disturbances paled in comparison to the second intifada, which erupted in the autumn.

Ever since the 1948 nakba, Arab thinkers and intellectuals have been studying the causes of their condition and recommending ways for changing or improving it.

Synonyms for nakba

Antonyms for nakba

Related Words

Word Forms

• nakbas

Usage Notes

Choose a synonym only when it preserves the intended meaning, tone, and grammar of the full sentence.

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