gerrymander

[jer-i-man-der, ger-]

noun

1. U.S. Politics.,  the dividing of a state, county, etc., into election districts so as to give one political party a majority in many districts while concentrating the voting strength of the other party into as few districts as possible.

verb (used with object)

1. U.S. Politics.,  to subject (a state, county, etc.) to a gerrymander.

gerrymander

/ ˈdʒɛrɪˌmændə /

verb

1. to divide the constituencies of (a voting area) so as to give one party an unfair advantage

2. to manipulate or adapt to one's advantage

noun

1. an act or result of gerrymandering

gerrymander

1. To change the boundaries of legislative districts to favor one party over another. Typically, the dominant party in a state legislature (which is responsible for drawing the boundaries of congressional districts) will try to concentrate the opposing party's strength in as few districts as possible, while giving itself likely majorities in as many districts as possible.

Other Word Forms

• gerrymandering noun
• gerrymanderer noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerrymander¹

1812, after E. Gerry (governor of Massachusetts, whose party redistricted the state in 1812) + (sala)mander, from the fancied resemblance of the map of Essex County, Mass., to this animal, after the redistricting

Word History and Origins

Origin of gerrymander¹

C19: from Elbridge Gerry, US politician + ( _sala ) _mander ; from the salamander-like outline of an electoral district reshaped (1812) for political purposes while Gerry was governor of Massachusetts

Example Sentences

The strategist argues that without this intervention, there will be “ongoing Republican domination of politics for decades to come,” suggesting that Democratic gerrymandering is necessary as a defensive measure against Republican electoral advantages.

From Los Angeles Times

Parson’s move could reopen political fault lines in Jefferson City, where Republican majorities have clashed with Democrats — and sometimes with each other — over how aggressively to pursue gerrymanders.

From Salon

There’s a faint silver lining for Texas Democrats facing gerrymandered districts: They could forge new careers, and energize the base, by pursuing statewide office.

From Salon

The panel was created by the state’s voters in 2010 to stop gerrymandering and incumbent protection by both major political parties.

From Los Angeles Times

The action was taken to counter gerrymandering efforts in Texas and other GOP-led states as both parties fight for control of Congress in next year’s midterm elections.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• contrive 
• engineer 
• finesse 
• manipulate