divorce

/dɪˈvɔːrs/
nounIntermediate
⚖️Law
formal

The legal process by which a marriage is terminated, dissolving the legal duties and responsibilities of marriage.

The couple sought a divorce to divide their assets and custody arrangements.

They legally ended their marriage to settle financial and childcare matters.

💡

Divorce laws vary by jurisdiction, including requirements for grounds, waiting periods, and division of property.

Collocations

file for divorceto initiate the legal process of ending a marriagedivorce settlementthe financial and legal agreements made during a divorceno-fault divorcea divorce where neither party is required to prove wrongdoing

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

divorce ratephrase
the number of divorces per population in a given time period
divorce papersphrase
legal documents filed to initiate a divorce

💡Pro Tip

Legal Context

Divorce is a legal process, so terminology and procedures vary by country and jurisdiction.

Gold Rule

Formal Usage

Use 'divorce' in formal contexts such as legal documents or professional discussions about marriage dissolution.

📖Word Origin

From Old French 'divorcement', from Latin 'divortium', from 'divortere' (to turn apart).

📝Usage Notes

In some contexts, 'divorce' can also refer to the separation of two closely connected entities, though this is less common.

Word Breakdown

div-
apart
prefix
+
-orce
from Latin 'orcis', related to 'force' or 'separation'
root
English Dictionary