noun

separation

sep-uh-RAY-shun/ˌsepəˈreɪʃn/

The condition or act of becoming apart.

The separation between the bridge halves leaves a gap over the stream.

Disconnected bridge halves across stream.

Etymology

seLatinapart

+parLatinmake ready, prepare

+ationLatinaction or process

The “apart” and “make ready” elements formed a verb meaning “pull apart.” Its action noun names the severing or disconnecting itself, as well as the state of being apart.

In context

The Religion Teacher1:19

that Unity with the Lord or in a state of separation from the Lord and no intention or desire to be United with the Lord

The Resurrection of the Body (Catholic Church Teaching)

More examples

The machine speeds up the separation of seeds from their shells.
After years of separation, the sisters finally live in the same city.
They agree to a trial separation before deciding whether to divorce.

Forms

separation · separations

separate verb — To move or keep things apart.

separable adjective — Able to be divided or detached.

Similar words

division: Emphasizes splitting something into parts, not necessarily moving them apart.
isolation: Emphasizes being cut off from other people or things.
detachment: Emphasizes removing something that was joined or fastened.