sectarian

This term carries a heavy negative connotation, typically evoking images of division, intolerance, and social fragmentation. When applied to religion, it suggests a rigid adherence to a specific dogma that creates a hostile barrier between different faith groups, often manifesting as systemic conflict or violence. In a political or organizational context, the word describes a narrow-minded focus on the needs of a small clique or faction. It implies a failure to consider the common good, prioritizing the interests of a subgroup over the stability or success of the larger entity.