1. division of a group into opposing factions (Freq. 1) - another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy • Syn: split • Derivationally related forms: split (for: split), schismatic, schismatical • Hypernyms: division 2. the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences • Derivationally related forms: schismatic • Hypernyms: rupture, breach, break, severance, rift, falling out • Instance Hyponyms: Great Schism
