Divorce

/dəˈvɔrs/

/dɪˈvɔs/

IPA guide

Other forms: divorced; divorces; divorcing

A divorce is a formal ending of a marriage. It’s more permanent than a separation and involves a legal process. If you get a divorce, that means the marriage is officially over.

Divorce has both a noun and a verb form. The noun describes the thing you get — "you are getting a divorce." And the verb describes the thing you do — "you are divorcing your spouse." Divorce can also be used more broadly to describe any major separation. You might know of a politician who divorces himself from a controversial issue — that means he doesn’t want to be associated with it at all.

Definitions of divorce

noun
the legal dissolution of a marriage

synonyms: divorcement

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type of:
separation
the social act of separating or parting company
verb
get a divorce; formally terminate a marriage

“The couple divorced after only 6 months”

synonyms: split up

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type of:
break, break up, part, separate, split, split up
discontinue an association or relation; go different ways
verb
break away from; stop having a relationship with

synonyms: disaffiliate, disassociate, disjoint, dissociate, disunite

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type of:
break, break up, part, separate, split, split up
discontinue an association or relation; go different ways

Pronunciation

/dəˈvɔrs/

/dɪˈvɔs/

Cite this entry

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DISCLAIMER: These example sentences appear in various news sources and books to reflect the usage of the word ‘divorce'. Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of gold-punch.com or its editors. Send us feedback

Word Family

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