What does schism mean?
A schism is a formal or serious division within a group, organization, or body, especially when the division produces distinct factions or competing authorities. The word is especially associated with religious and political disagreements, but it can describe any important rupture that separates people who previously belonged together. Schism implies more than a minor disagreement: it suggests a division that may become institutional or enduring. In British and American English, the word is formal and often somewhat dramatic, so ordinary conversation more commonly uses split, rift, or division. Its best-known historical example is the Great Schism of 1378, which divided the Western Church into rival papal and Avignon lines, although the term also names the broader separation between Western and Eastern Christianity. Even without that historical resonance, schism is useful because it captures the idea of a group breaking apart in a consequential way.
A formal division or rupture within a group, organization, or body, especially one that results in separate factions.
"A schism emerged after the committee rejected the leadership's proposal."
Formal and commonly used in political, religious, institutional, and cultural contexts.
To split or divide into separate factions.
"Several members schismed away to form their own organization."
Less common than the noun and generally formal or specialized in usage.
The regular plural is schisms; it is used when referring to multiple divisions or ruptures.
"The coalition experienced two major schisms during its final year."
The Great Schism of 1378 remains a landmark in the history of the Christian Church.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of schism
The English word comes through Late Latin schisma from Greek skhisma, meaning a splitting or division, ultimately from skhizein, “to split.” Greek forms of this root also underlies English derivatives such as schismatic and schismatize. In English, schism became established for both formal divisions within institutions and major religious separations.
Related word forms
How schism is actually used
Schism is formal and often carries a serious or dramatic connotation. In everyday speech, split or rift is usually more natural. It is commonly used in political, religious, institutional, and cultural contexts.
Easily confused with schism
A schism is a division or split, whereas a schismatic is a person who belongs to or supports a separated faction.