Noun: schism s(k)i-zum
- Division of a group into opposing factions
"another schism like that and they will wind up in bankruptcy";
- split
- The formal separation of a church into two churches or the withdrawal of one group over doctrinal differences
"The schism in the church led to the formation of two distinct denominations"
Derived forms: schisms
Type of: breach, break, division, falling out, rift, rupture, severance
Encyclopedia: Schism, Great