splinter
SPLIN-ter
/ˈsplɪntər/
To break or cause to break into small sharp fragments; as a verb regarding organizations, to break away into small, separate, rival factions.
Highlights chaotic, fragmented breaking apart into multiple competing sub-groups.
The story behind the word. Originating in Middle Dutch and Middle Low German, 'splinter' described sharp wooden shards torn from timber under strain. Social scientists borrowed the word in the 20th century to describe political parties and religious groups that shatter into sharp, hostile mini-factions.
Word relationships
- fragment: 'Fragment' means breaking into small pieces; 'splinter' implies sharp, messy, antagonistic breaks.
- fracture: 'Fracture' stresses structural cracking, whereas 'splinter' stresses complete multi-piece breakdown.
- consolidate: To combine distinct elements into a single strong whole.
- coalesce: To grow together or merge into a single body.
Commonly confused with
- schism: A schism divides a group into two main sides; splintering breaks a group apart into many small bits.
Word family
- splintered (adjective): Broken into small fragments or divided into hostile factions.
Collocations
- splinter group
- splinter faction
- splinter into factions
- splinter off
Example sentences
- "Following the leader's resignation, the coalition began to splinter into half a dozen squabbling factions." Political history
- "The dry wooden plank splintered under the heavy blow of the sledgehammer." Literal physical usage
Memory hook
A wood beam SPLINTERS into sharp little shards; a party SPLINTERS into sharp little factions. Shattering into sharp rival fragments.
When not to use
Do not use for a clean, orderly, bilateral division between two equal parties (use 'schism' or 'split').
Fun facts
- In political science, 'splinter parties' often act as election spoilers by pulling votes away from major candidate coalitions.
Explore more words
Fragmentation, faction, balkanization, schism, dissension, crumble
Also appears in
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