Schism Definition
skĭzəm, sĭz-
schisms
noun
schisms
A separation or division into factions.
American Heritage
A split or division in an organized group or society, esp. a church, as the result of difference of opinion, of doctrine, etc.
Webster's New World
The act of causing or trying to cause a split or division in a church.
Webster's New World
A formal breach of union within a religious body, especially a Christian church.
American Heritage
Any of the sects, parties, etc. formed by such a split.
Webster's New World
Other Word Forms of Schism
Noun
Singular:
schism
Plural:
schismsOrigin of Schism
-
Middle English scisme from Old French from Latin schisma schismat- from Greek skhisma from skhizein to split skei- in Indo-European roots
From American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 5th Edition
From Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα (skhisma, “division"), from σχίζω (skhizō, “I split").
From Wiktionary
Related Articles
Schism Is Also Mentioned In
Find Similar Words
Find similar words to schism using the buttons below.