schism

noun \ˈsi-zəm, ˈski- also ˈshi-; among clergy usually ˈsi-\

: a division among the members of a group that occurs because they disagree on something

Full Definition of SCHISM

: division, separation; also : discord, disharmony <a schism between political parties>

a : formal division in or separation from a church or religious body

b : the offense of promoting schism

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Origin of SCHISM

Middle English scisme, from Anglo-French scisme, cisme, from Late Latin schismat-, schisma, from Greek, cleft, division, from schizein to split — more at shed

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to SCHISM

Synonyms: conflict, disaccord, discordance, discordancy, disharmony, dissension (also dissention), dissent, dissidence, dissonance, disunion, disunity, division, friction, infighting, inharmony, discord, strife, variance, war, warfare

Antonyms: accord, agreement, concord, concordance, harmony, peace

Rhymes with SCHISM

chrism, chrisom, ism, prism

Learn More About SCHISM

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for "schism"

Spanish Central: Spanish translation of "schism"

Nglish: Translation of "schism" for Spanish speakers

Britannica English: Translation of "schism" for Arabic speakers

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about "schism"

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