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divorce
/dɪˈvɔːrs/
legal dissolution of a marriage
After years of conflict, they decided to file for divorce.
They legally ended their marriage due to ongoing disagreements.
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
Related Phrases
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'
rootEnglish Dictionary