divorce
UK[dɪˈvɔːs]US[dɪˈvɔːrs]
n
the legal ending of a marriage
v
to legally end your marriage to somebody
v
to separate something from something else, especially in a way that is damaging or not logical
Etymology
the english word 'divorce' entered the language in the late 14th century from the old french term 'divorce', which itself derived from latin 'divortium', meaning 'separation' or 'a parting of ways'. this latin noun originates from the verb 'divortere', an earlier form of 'divertere', meaning 'to turn aside, to separate'. the core logic is built on the prefix 'di-', implying 'apart', and 'vertere', 'to turn'. thus, the etymological journey from latin paints a vivid picture of a literal turning apart, which evolved into the specific legal and social concept of dissolving a marriage.
Analysis
the word 'divorce' functions as a simplex unit in modern english. it was borrowed as a whole from old french.
Examples
after years of unhappiness, they decided to file for divorce.
she divorced her husband after a long separation.
he argued that art should not be divorced from its social context.