Klan

Klan is a term with multiple meanings. In many languages, the words for clan, kin, or extended social networks are rendered as klan or a closely related form. Used in this neutral sense, it denotes a group tied by family lineage, shared ancestry, or voluntary allegiance, and appears in place names, cultural contexts, and discussions of social organization.

In English-speaking contexts, the phrase the Klan commonly refers to the Ku Klux Klan, a controversial and extremist organization in the United States. The Klan originated in the Reconstruction era after the American Civil War and is known for rituals such as robes and hoods, as well as intimidation, violence, and terror aimed at Black Americans and other minority groups. The organization has existed in several phases, often called waves: the original post‑Civil War Klan, a revival in the early 20th century, and later revivals from the mid-20th century onward. Throughout its history, the Klan has promoted white supremacy and used acts of intimidation and criminal violence, leading to prosecutions and lasting stigma. Today, the Ku Klux Klan is a fringe movement with only a small number of adherents in isolated groups, and it is widely condemned by governments and civil society.

Beyond the extremist context, klan or its equivalents appear as a generic term for clans or kin groups in various languages, where it carries no political or violent associations. The meaning and connotations of the word depend on linguistic and cultural context, and it may also appear in fiction or media as a neutral or fictional social unit.