1. a former policy of racial segregation and discrimination enforced in South Africa from 1948 to 1994
Usage: historical
2. any system of legal or social separation based on race or ethnicity
Usage: by extension

Examples

• Nelson Mandela fought against apartheid in South Africa.
• The apartheid system denied basic rights to Black South Africans.
• International sanctions helped pressure South Africa to end apartheid.
• Many families were separated under apartheid laws.
• The Truth and Reconciliation Commission addressed apartheid-era crimes.
• Some critics compare certain policies to apartheid.
• Apartheid officially ended in 1994 with democratic elections.