chasm
[kaz-uh m]
- a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge.
- a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
- a marked interruption of continuity; gap: a chasm in time.
- a sundering breach in relations, as a divergence of opinions, beliefs, etc., between persons or groups.
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Origin of chasm
1590–1600; apocopated variant of chasma < Latin < Greek, equivalent to cha- (root of chaínein to gape; see yawn) + -(a)sma resultative suffix
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for chasm
Contemporary Examples
Over the next few years, a chasm would open up between the Party and the KGB, culminating with the failed coup in August 1991.
I was writing a cover story for Newsweek about the chasm between white and black understandings of the Martin case.
Maya Angelou Knew How To Inspire As A Writer, Teacher, and Great Human BeingJoshua DuBois
May 28, 2014
The result in all three cases is a chasm between image and performance that magnifies the narrative of dashed expectations.
In the middle, a chasm so wide that I have no idea, 20 years later, how we will ever bridge it.
The fourth reality is a technological gap in voter mobilization; more accurately the gap is a chasm.
Historical Examples
I ought, of course, to fling myself into the chasm like that Roman fellow; but, hang it!
In the Midst of AlarmsRobert Barr
Cautiously he drew back, still looking about for some means to cross the chasm.
The Monster MenEdgar Rice Burroughs
The wind hurled them into a chasm, 117 and their bodies were never recovered.
The Heart of Thunder MountainEdfrid A. Bingham
When he reached the opening he dropped flat with his head over the chasm.
The Web of the Golden SpiderFrederick Orin Bartlett
Tanner could not bridge the chasm between himself and his daughter.
The Harbor of DoubtFrank Williams
chasm
- a deep cleft in the ground; abyss
- a break in continuity; gap
- a wide difference in interests, feelings, etc
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Word Origin
C17: from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma; related to Greek khainein to gape
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Word Origin and History for chasm
n.
1590s, "deep crack in the earth," from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma "yawning hollow, gulf," related to khaskein "to yawn," and thus to chaos. In English in 17c. often spelled chasma. Figurative use from 1640s. Related: Chasmal; chasmic.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper