rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryriftCrack or split
noun

rift

RIFT/rɪft/

A deep split separating parts of a whole.

A deep rift in their friendship leaves them sitting apart.

Two former friends sit far apart with backs turned at opposite ends of a bench.
Etymology
riftOld Icelandicbreach

Rift has a Scandinavian source, comparable to Old Icelandic ript, “breach,” and originally meant a physical split or tearing. A serious disagreement transfers that image to a relationship divided by a break.

In context

Life of A Gangster0:31
he was the symbol of the rift between North and South during the American Civil War a conflict that marked him forever
JESSE JAMES: The Wild West's Most Legendary Outlaw

More examples

  • Wide rifts in the ice make crossing the glacier dangerous.
  • Their argument over money creates a rift in the family.
  • Party leaders hope to heal the rift between rival factions.

Forms

rift · rifts

Similar words

crack
A break in a surface that may be shallow.
fissure
A long, narrow opening, especially in rock or earth.
division
A separation between people or groups, not necessarily hostile.