Definition: Schism
Etymology
From Middle English scisme, from Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα or skhÃsma (division), from σχίζω or skhÃzÅ (I split).
This word was historically pronounced /ˈsɪzəm/; the pronunciations /ˈʃɪzəm/, /ˈskɪzəm/ are due to the spelling (the latter may have been reinforced by learned influence).
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.
- The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history.
- (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.
Related terms
- schismatic
Credits
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