schism means A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord. Lexicurio rates it Rare gem — a strength score of 76 out of 100.
schism is pronounced /ˈskɪzəm/.
Why “schism” is a great word
A formal division or split within a religious body or other organized group, typically caused by discord. From Middle English scisme, from Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα (skhísma, 'division, split'), from σχίζω (skhízō, 'I split'). Unlike 'heresy,' which denotes a doctrinal deviation, or 'rift,' which suggests a personal breach, a schism is an institutional fracture—a formal sundering of unity over authority, discipline, or governance. It is the slammed door of a council chamber echoing for centuries, the drafting of rival lines of succession on ancient parchment, and the meticulous redrawing of centuries-old jurisdictional maps. It formalizes the moment when an argument of the mind becomes a geography of the soul.
Etymology
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.
noun
- A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.“Despite personal schisms and differences in spiritual experience, there is a very coherent theology of Snape shared between the wives. To examine this manifestation of religious fandom, I will first discuss the canon scepticism and anti-Rowling sentiment that helps to contextualise the wider belief in Snape as a character who extends beyond book and film.”
- A formal division or split within a religious body.“The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history.”
- a split within Christianity whereby a group is no longer in communion with the Church or its ecclesiastical authorities, but shares essentially the same beliefs; in other words, a political split without the introduction of heresy.
verb
- To split, divide (a group or organization).““This is going to schism Maga terribly online,” Kirk said. “You're going to see—I don't want to say a Maga civil war, but it's going to be a Maga online food fight that is going to be very hard to navigate.””