Schism

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈskɪzÉ™m/, /ˈsɪzÉ™m/, /ˈʃɪzÉ™m/
• Rhymes: -ɪzÉ™m

Origin

From Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα (skhisma, "division"), from σχίζω (skhizō, "I split").

Noun

1. A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
2. (religion) A formal division or split within a religious body.The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history.
3. (Catholicism) 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.

Synonyms

• split or separation: division, separation, split

Antonyms

• split, division, separation: unity

Related terms

• schismatic