chasm

/ˈkæzəm/

/ˈkæzəm/

Other forms: chasms

A chasm is a deep divide, either literal or figurative, such as a giant chasm in an ice cap or the growing chasm between two friends who haven't spoken in a long time.

The first syllable in chasm sounds like cat without the t sound: "CA-zum." It comes from the Greek word khasma, meaning "yawning hollow, gulf" and was originally used to describe a split in a land formation, such as a deep crack caused by an earthquake. The word still retains that sense, but today can also mean "a profound division between people or beliefs," such as a chasm between Republicans and Democrats.

Definitions of chasm

1. noun

   a deep opening in the earth's surface
   types:

   abysm, abyss

   a bottomless gulf or pit; any unfathomable (or apparently unfathomable) cavity or chasm or void extending below (often used figuratively)

   gulf

   a deep wide chasm

   type of:

   gap, opening

   an open or empty space in or between things
2. noun

   an unbridgeable disparity (as from a failure of understanding)
   synonyms: disconnect, disconnection, gulf

   type of:

   disparity

   inequality or difference in some respect