schism

[siz-uhm, skiz-]

noun

1. division or disunion, especially into mutually opposed parties.

2. the parties so formed.

3. Ecclesiastical.

   1. a formal division within, or separation from, a church or religious body over some doctrinal difference.

   2. the state of a sect or body formed by such division.

   3. the offense of causing or seeking to cause such a division.

schism

/ ˈsɪz-, ˈskɪzəm /

noun

1. the division of a group into opposing factions

2. the factions so formed

3. division within or separation from an established Church, esp the Roman Catholic Church, not necessarily involving differences in doctrine

schism

1. A break within a church, such as the division between the Eastern Orthodox Church and the Roman Catholic Church.

Other Word Forms

• schismless adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of schism¹

1350–1400; < Late Latin (Vulgate) sc ( h ) isma (stem sc ( h ) ismat- ) < Greek, derivative of schízein to split, with -ma (stem -mat- ) noun suffix of result; replacing Middle English ( s ) cisme, sisme < Middle French < Late Latin, as above

Word History and Origins

Origin of schism¹

C14: from Church Latin schisma, from Greek skhisma a cleft, from skhizein to split

Example Sentences

Despite later schisms that split Christianity, the council produced a foundational statement of the faith that is still shared by most of the world’s Christians today.

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The schisms underscore the growing fragility of the nascent coalition in the waning days of its founder.

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And that schism is not because rural voters misunderstand their “self-interest” or because racial dog whistles have led them astray.

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It was the first meeting between the heads of the two Churches since the great schism of 1054.

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The problems stem from a schism in the party caused when Sultana launched a membership portal through its official email account, taking payment and data from an alleged 20,000 people.

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Related Words

• alienation 
• breakup 
• disagreement 
• discord 
• dissension 
• fissure 
• rift 
• rupture