What do you mean by Schism?

A dictionary meaning of schism, which is often confused as scism, schisms, skism, or schizm, is a division or gap between people, typically of those belonging to a movement, an association or an organization. Schism is most often used in religion particularly that of a division between two sectors in Christianity that used to be a single unit, or to a split within some other religion. Schism is also used to mean a division among people, be it involving family members, friends, colleagues, acquaintances, and the like.


A schismatic is used an adjective which refers to a person promoting schism or a division or a split in an organization or to ideas, policies that can be heading towards schism. This can also mean a member of a splinter group.


In religion, the charge of schism is different from of heresy. The breach or infringement or offense of schism has nothing to do with differences of belief or doctrine but promotion of, or the state of, division. However, schisms frequently involve mutual accusations of heresy. Besides, all heresy is considered schism.