Asunder

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /əˈsÊŒndÉ™/
• Rhymes: -ÊŒndÉ™(ɹ)

Alternative forms

• asundre obsolete

Origin

Originally two words; from Old English on ("a") sundran ("separate position"). Cognate with Danish sønder, Swedish sönder, Dutch zonder, German sonder, Icelandic sundur and Norwegian sunder/sønder, from Old Norse í sundr, akin to Gothic 𐍃𐌿𐌽𐌳𐍂𐍉.

Full definition of asunder

Adverb

1. Into separate parts or pieces; apart.Lest anyone find her treasure, she tore the map asunder and cast its pieces into the wind.
2. 1985, Kate Bush, Running Up That HillYou don't want to hurt me, but see how deep the bullet lies. Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder. There is thunder in our hearts.