dictionary.pt
fifth column
nounfeminineformaluncommon/ˈkĩ.tɐ kuˈɫũ.nɐ/quin·ta-co·lu·na
Definition
1A group of people within a country who secretly collaborate with an external enemy to sabotage national defense.
Usage examples
“The authorities feared the action of a fifth column that could facilitate an invasion.”
“During the war, several networks considered fifth columns were dismantled.”
Common combinations
fifth column elementsfifth column activityfifth column infiltration