schism

Meaning

Noun

1. A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
2. A formal division or split within a religious body.
3. a split within Christianity whereby a group no longer recognizes the Bishop of Rome as the head of the Church, but shares essentially the same beliefs with the Church of Rome. In other words, a political split without the introduction of heresy.

Verb

To split, divide (a group or organization).

Synonyms

split

sect

dissent

dissension

rift

secession

cleavage

disagreement

party

🥳

rent

scission

section

separation

splitting

breach

withdrawal

breakaway

cabal

difference of opinion

divide

division

faction

fissure

Translations

cisma

σχίσμα

scisma

Schisma

schisme

schisma

kerkscheuring

scheuring

cisma

Spaltung

hizip

dissidência

scission

διχασμός

Pronounced as (IPA)

/ˈskɪzəm/

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English: scisme

In summary

From Middle English scisme, from Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα (skhísma, “division”), from σχίζω (skhízō, “I split”). Doublet of schisma. Compare chasm.
This word was historically pronounced /ˈsɪzəm/ (and still is among the clergy); the pronunciations /ˈʃɪzəm/, /ˈskɪzəm/ are due to the spelling (the latter may have been reinforced by learned influence); compare schedule.

Sentences

Judge and mend the schism in the Theosophical Movement .