asunder

[ uh-suhn-der ]

adverb

1. into separate parts; in or into pieces:

   Lightning split the old oak tree asunder.

2. apart or widely separated:

   as wide asunder as the polar regions.

asunder

/ əˈsʌndə /

adverb

1. postpositive in or into parts or pieces; apart

   to tear asunder

Word History and Origins

Origin of asunder¹

First recorded before 1000; Middle English; Old English on sundrum “apart”; a- ¹, sundry

Word History and Origins

Origin of asunder¹

Old English on sundran apart; see sunder

Example Sentences

But as history well knows, all of their lives would be torn asunder by Lennon’s assassination.

From Salon

“Arthur, in his eighties, was surrounded by admirers, yet alone. His refinery loomed in the background … but his family was torn asunder,” Poitras wrote.

From Seattle Times

“The psychological, intellectual, and cultural fabric necessary for a thriving academic community has been torn asunder, and it will take years, if not generations, to mend.”

From Science Magazine

“The planet is falling. The world is being torn asunder by poverty and injustice,” he said.

From Seattle Times

Chip Kelly has a solution for all the crazy cross-country travel, not to mention the century’s worth of rivalries and tradition torn asunder by ceaseless realignment in college football.

From Los Angeles Times