schism Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun division of a group into opposing factions
    split.
    • another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy
  2. noun the formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences

WordNet

Schism noun
Etymology
OE. scisme, OF. cisme, scisme, F. schisme, L. schisma, Gr. , fr. to split; akin to L. scindere, Skr. child, and prob. to E. shed, v.t. (which see); cf. Rescind, Schedule, Zest.
Definitions
  1. Division or separation; specifically (Eccl.), permanent division or separation in the Christian church; breach of unity among people of the same religious faith; the offense of seeking to produce division in a church without justifiable cause.
    Set bounds to our passions by reason, to our errors by truth, and to our schisms by charity. Eikon Basilike.

Webster 1913