Etymology
From Middle English scisme, from Old French cisme or scisme, from Ancient Greek σχίσμα or skhísma (division), from σχίζω or skhízō (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
New World Encyclopedia writers and editors copied and adjusted this Wiktionary entry in accordance with NWE standards. This article abides by terms of the Creative Commons CC-by-sa 3.0 License (CC-by-sa), which may be used and disseminated with proper attribution. Credit for this article is due to both New World Encyclopedia contributors and the selfless volunteer contributors of the Wikimedia Foundation. To cite this article click here for a list acceptable citing formats.The history of earlier contributions at Wiktionary is accessible to researchers here:
