This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
divorce
[ dih-vawrs, -vohrs ]
/ dɪˈvɔrs, -ˈvoʊrs /
Save This Word!
This shows grade level based on the word's complexity.
noun
a judicial declaration dissolving a marriage in whole or in part, especially one that releases the marriage partners from all matrimonial obligations.Compare judicial separation.
any formal separation of husband and wife according to established custom.
total separation; disunion: a divorce between thought and action.
verb (used with object), di·vorced, di·vorc·ing.
verb (used without object), di·vorced, di·vorc·ing.
to get a divorce.
OTHER WORDS FOR divorce
QUIZ
ARE YOU A TRUE BLUE CHAMPION OF THESE "BLUE" SYNONYMS?
We could talk until we're blue in the face about this quiz on words for the color "blue," but we think you should take the quiz and find out if you're a whiz at these colorful terms.
Question 1 of 8
Which of the following words describes “sky blue”?
Meet Grammar CoachImprove Your Writing
Origin of divorce
OTHER WORDS FROM divorce
Words nearby divorce
division sign, divisive, divisiveness, divisor, divo, divorce, divorce court, divorcée, divorcement, divorce mill, divot
Other definitions for divorce (2 of 2)
divorcé
[ dih-vawr-sey, -vohr-, -vawr-sey, -vohr- ]
/ dɪ vɔrˈseɪ, -voʊr-, -ˈvɔr seɪ, -ˈvoʊr- /
noun
a divorced man.
Origin of divorcé
First recorded in 1805–15; from French, noun use of masculine past participle of divorcer, from Medieval Latin dīvortiāre “to divorce,” derivative of Latin dīvortium “separation”; see divorce
usage note for divorcé
See fiancée.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
How to use divorce in a sentence
British Dictionary definitions for divorce (1 of 2)
divorce
/ (dɪˈvɔːs) /
noun
the dissolution of a marriage by judgment of a court or by accepted custom
a judicial decree declaring a marriage to be dissolved
a separation, esp one that is total or complete
verb
to separate or be separated by divorce; give or obtain a divorce (to a couple or from one's spouse)
(tr) to remove or separate, esp completely
Derived forms of divorce
divorceable, adjectivedivorcer, noundivorcive, adjectiveWord Origin for divorce
C14: from Old French, from Latin dīvortium from dīvertere to separate; see divert
British Dictionary definitions for divorce (2 of 2)
divorcé
/ (dɪˈvɔːseɪ) /
noun
a man who has been divorced
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012