secta

SEK-tah/ˈsekta/

“secta” means “cult” in Spanish (a group with extreme beliefs and a controlling leader).

cult

Also: sect

NounfB1

A group of people in identical white robes standing in a circle around a charismatic leader in a bright garden.

📝 In Action

Mucha gente perdió su dinero al entrar en esa secta.

Many people lost their money when joining that cult.

La policía rescató a los miembros de la secta destructiva.

The police rescued the members of the destructive cult.

Es difícil salir de una secta por la presión psicológica.

It is difficult to leave a cult because of the psychological pressure.

Word Connections

Synonyms

culto (cult (often refers to the ritual aspect))
facción (faction)

Antonyms

religión oficial (official religion)

Common Collocations

secta destructiva – destructive cult
líder de la secta – cult leader
pertenecer a una secta – to belong to a cult

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "secta" in Spanish:

cult→sect→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: secta

Question 1 of 3

Which of these is the correct way to say 'the dangerous cult'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼

sectario(sectarian / cult-like) — Adjective

sectarismo(sectarianism) — Noun

🎵 Rhymes▼

rectaconectaafecta

📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin word 'secta', which means a 'path' or 'way of life'. It comes from a word meaning 'to follow', because members follow a specific leader or set of rules.

First recorded: 13th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: sectFrench: secte

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is 'secta' always a bad thing in Spanish?

Usually, yes. While technically it can just mean a small group that broke off from a main religion, in everyday conversation and media, it implies brainwashing or danger.

Does 'secta' mean 'section'?

No. The word for 'section' is 'sección'. They sound similar but have very different meanings.

How do you say 'cult leader'?

You say 'líder de la secta'.