SCHISM

schism, split

(noun) division of a group into opposing factions; “another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy”

schism

(noun) the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences

Source: WordNet® 3.1

Etymology

Noun

schism (plural schisms)

A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.

(religion) A formal division or split within a religious body.

(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

Anagrams

• Chisms

Source: Wiktionary

Schism, n. Etym: [OE. scisme, OF. cisme, scisme, F. schisme, L. schisma, Gr. scindere, Skr. child, and prob. to E. shed, v.t. (which see); cf. Rescind, Schedule, Zest.]

Definition: Division or separation; specifically (Eccl.), permanent division or separation in the Christian church; breach of unity among people of the same religious faith; the offense of seeking to produce division in a church without justifiable cause. Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our schisms by charity. Eikon Basilike.

Greek schism (Eccl.), the separation of the Greek and Roman churches.

– Great schism, or Western schism (Eccl.) a schism in the church in the latter part of the 14th century, on account of rival claimants to the papal throne.

– Schism act (Law), an act of the English Parliament requiring all teachers to conform to the Established Church, -- passed in 1714, repealed in 1719.

Source: Webster’s Unabridged Dictionary 1913 Edition