1. a division or split within a group, organization, or church, especially due to disagreement over beliefs or policies

Examples

• The schism in the church lasted for decades.
• Political differences caused a schism within the party.
• The Great Schism of 1054 divided Christianity into Eastern and Western branches.
• A schism developed between the old and new members of the organization.
• The board tried to prevent a schism over the controversial decision.
• The schism between the two factions seemed irreparable.