Meaning & Definition of word "Divorce"

Divorce

/dɪˈvɔːrs/

noun:

  • 1. The legal dissolution of a marriage by a court or other competent body.
    • Example: After years of conflict, they finally decided to file for divorce.
  • 2. The state of being divorced.
    • Example: Her divorce left her feeling emotionally drained.

verb:

  • 1. To legally dissolve one's marriage with someone.
    • Example: They decided to divorce after realizing they had grown apart.
  • 2. To separate or disjoin.
    • Example: The artist sought to divorce his personal feelings from his work.

Etymology

Middle English divorcien, from Old French divorcer, from Latin divorcium

Common Phrases and Expressions

divorce court:

A court that hears cases related to divorce.

no-fault divorce:

A divorce where no blame is assigned to either party.

divorce settlement:

An agreement reached regarding the division of assets and responsibilities after a divorce.

Related Words

annulment:

A legal procedure that clears a marriage from the records.

separation:

The process of two people living apart while still legally married.

custody:

The legal right to take care of a child after a divorce.

Slang Meanings of divorce

Meaning: Dissolution of matrimonial ties.

Example Sentence: He's getting a 'd' because he couldn't handle the stress.

Meaning: A breakup in a casual relationship.

Example Sentence: They had a 'D-day' after realizing they were not compatible.