Chasm
/ˈkæzəm/
Definitions
A deep, wide crack or opening in the ground.
/ˈkæzəm/
A deep, gaping hole or fissure in the earth.
The hikers carefully crossed the chasm.
💡 Simply: A chasm is like a giant crack in the ground, so big you could probably fall in! Think of a canyon or a really deep, wide hole.
👶 For kids: A big, scary crack in the ground.
More Examples
A vast chasm separated the two warring factions.
How It's Used
"The earthquake created a vast chasm in the earth."
"A chasm of mistrust separated the two families."
From Middle English chasme, from Old French chasme, from Late Latin chasma, from Greek khasma "a gaping opening, chasm," from khainein "to gape, yawn."
The word 'chasm' has been used since the Middle English period to describe both physical and figurative gaps.
Memory tip
Imagine a chasm as a 'gasp' in the earth – a gaping hole.
Word Origin
"to gape, yawn"