Divorce
/dɪˈvɔːrs/
Definitions
2 meaningsThe formal ending of a marriage by legal action.
/dɪˈvɔːrs/
The legal dissolution of a marriage.
The divorce proceedings were finalized last week.
💡 Simply: Imagine a marriage that's not working anymore. Divorce is like the official 'game over' for the marriage, where the couple agrees to go their separate ways with the help of legal paperwork. Like when two teams play a game and then split up and go home.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups who are married decide to stop being married, it's called a divorce.
More Examples
She went through a painful divorce.
The rate of divorce has increased in recent years.
How It's Used
"The couple filed for divorce after ten years of marriage."
"Divorce can have significant emotional and financial impacts."
To legally terminate a marriage; to obtain a divorce.
/dɪˈvɔːrs/
To legally end a marriage.
They divorced after five years of marriage.
💡 Simply: If a married couple decides they don't want to be married anymore, they can 'divorce' each other, which means they go through a legal process to end their marriage. It's like splitting up a team that's no longer working together, but with lawyers involved.
👶 For kids: When grown-ups get a divorce, it means they're not married anymore, and the grown-ups agree to go live in separate places.
More Examples
She divorced him because of irreconcilable differences.
He is in the process of divorcing his wife.
How It's Used
"They decided to divorce after a long period of unhappiness."
"Many couples struggle with the decision to divorce."
Idioms & expressions
amicable divorce
A divorce where the parties agree on the terms of the separation and act cordially towards each other.
"They were able to reach an amicable divorce settlement without going to court."
a bitter divorce
A divorce marked by hostility, acrimony, and disagreement.
"The couple went through a bitter divorce, fighting over assets and custody."
From Old French *divors*, from Latin *divortium* 'separation, divorce', from *divertere* 'to turn aside, separate'.
The concept of divorce has evolved throughout history, with varying legal and social acceptance. Early practices were often based on religious tenets and laws.
Memory tip
Think of the word as dividing the relationship, just as dividing a piece of food into multiple parts.
Word Origin
"to turn aside, separate"