chasm

[ kaz-uhm ]

noun

1. a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface; gorge.
2. a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
3. a marked interruption of continuity; gap:

   a chasm in time.

4. a sundering breach in relations, as a divergence of opinions, beliefs, etc., between persons or groups.

chasm

/ ˈkæzəm; ˈkæzməl /

noun

1. a deep cleft in the ground; abyss
2. a break in continuity; gap
3. a wide difference in interests, feelings, etc

Derived Forms

• chasmal, adjective

Other Words From

• chasmal chasmic adjective
• chasmed adjective
• chasmy adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of chasm¹

1590–1600; apocopated variant of chasma < Latin < Greek, equivalent to cha- (root of chaínein to gape; yawn ) + -( a ) sma resultative suffix

Word History and Origins

Origin of chasm¹

C17: from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma; related to Greek khainein to gape

Example Sentences

Whether Dr. Sasse’s indifference to the rankings led to his resignation is unclear, but the chasm between the president and the board of trustees seemed to develop as the university’s rankings status became more tenuous.

From New York Times

England needed to be spotless to make up a chasm in class and form on South Africa.

From BBC

If religious polarization is a function of political polarization, the widening chasm is in part reflected by the media's labeling of Christians on the right as "Biblical conservatives," "White Evangelicals" or other such names.

From Salon

“She has left an indelible mark on the world and an unfillable chasm in our heart.”

From Los Angeles Times

Williams have witnessed F1 from both ends of the competition chasm over time.

From BBC

Related Words

• cleavage
• crater
• crevasse
• fissure
• gorge
• ravine
• rift
• schism
• void