schism

plural schisms

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

   A schism broke the organization into two rivals.

   2 more examples

   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.

   2014 March 3, Zoe Alderton, “‘Snapewives’ and ‘Snapeism’: A Fiction-Based Religion within the Harry Potter Fandom”, in Religions, volume 5, number 1, MDPI, →DOI, archived from the original on 20 Dec 2014, pages 219–257

   But Harry, in his civilian suit, was also a reminder of the schism between the traditional and the modern in the royal family that can’t be drowned out by pageantry.

   2023 May 6, James Poniewozik, “Charles III Was Crowned King. But Can He Ever Be the Star?”, in The New York Times

   Synonyms: division, separation, split

2. A movement or organization that splits off from a larger body.

   He founded a schism that eventually rivaled the original organization in size.

3. lifestyleA formal division or split within a religious body.

   The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history.

   1 more example

   The ordinations could prove to be the first significant crisis for Pope Leo because they provoke a schism – an intentional rupture of the church’s unity.

   2026 July 1, Angela Giuffrida, “Fears of Catholic schism as defiant sect ordains ultra-conservative bishops”, in The Guardian, →ISSN

4. Eastern OrthodoxyCatholicismA 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.

present singular third person schisms · participle present schisming · participle past schismed · past schismed

1. transitiveTo 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.”

   2025 June 14, Guy Chazan, quoting Charlie Kirk, “Trump’s anti-war pledge tested amid Maga base fear of fresh conflict”, in FT Weekend, London: The Financial Times Ltd., →ISSN, →OCLC, page 4