schism
SKIZ-um
/ˈskɪzəm/
A formal split or division within a religious body or organization into opposing factions.
Emphasizes a permanent or painful organizational tear caused by deep disagreements.
The story behind the word. Traces back to Greek 'schizein', meaning 'to split or cleave'. It entered English via Old French and Latin, preserving its imagery of a physical tear or cleft applied to spiritual and corporate bodies.
Word relationships
- rift: A rift is a crack or break in relations, while a schism implies a formal organizational breakup.
- rupture: Rupture emphasizes sudden violent tearing; schism emphasizes factional separation.
- reconciliation: Reconciliation is the restoring of harmonious relations.
- unification: Unification is the process of bringing separated groups together.
Commonly confused with
- chasm: A chasm is a physical deep gorge, whereas a schism is an organizational or ideological rupture.
Word family
- schismatic (adjective): Creating or belonging to a schism.
Collocations
- great schism
- deep schism
- schism within
- cause a schism
Example sentences
- "The Great Schism of 1054 split Christianity into Eastern Orthodox and Roman Catholic churches." Church history
- "A bitter ideological schism threatens to tear the political party apart." Political party
Memory hook
SCHISM sounds like SCISSORS cutting a piece of paper right down the middle. Scissors create a schism.
When not to use
Do not use for minor arguments or temporary friendly disagreements.
Fun facts
- The root 'schizein' (to split) also gives us 'schizophrenia' (literally 'split mind').
Related words
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