noun / verb
divorce
di-VORSS/dɪˈvɔːrs/
The formal ending of a marriage.
The judge grants their divorce and hands them court documents.
Etymology
The underlying image is “turning apart.” Latin developed this into separation, including leaving a spouse, and the related noun already meant dissolution of marriage.
In context
divorce settlement that was filed in court on the 15th of january however the document has not been entered or signed by a judge to officially dissolve their marriage yet
More examples
- She files for divorce after ten years of marriage.
- They agree to divorce but remain friends.
- He divorced his wife last year.
Forms
divorce · divorces · divorced · divorcing
divorcee noun — A person whose marriage has legally ended.
Similar words
- dissolution
- Dissolution also covers formally ending partnerships or other legal entities.
- annulment
- Annulment declares a marriage invalid rather than ending a valid one.