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divorce

/dəˈvɔrs/

/dɪˈvɔs/

Other forms: divorced; divorces; divorcing

A divorce is a formal ending of a marriage. It’s more permanent than a separation and involves a legal process. If you get a divorce, that means the marriage is officially over.

Divorce has both a noun and a verb form. The noun describes the thing you get — "you are getting a divorce." And the verb describes the thing you do — "you are divorcing your spouse." Divorce can also be used more broadly to describe any major separation. You might know of a politician who divorces himself from a controversial issue — that means he doesn’t want to be associated with it at all.

Definitions of divorce
  1. noun
    the legal dissolution of a marriage
    synonyms: divorcement
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    type of:
    separation
    the social act of separating or parting company
  2. verb
    get a divorce; formally terminate a marriage
    “The couple divorced after only 6 months”
    synonyms: split up
    see moresee less
    type of:
    break, break up, part, separate, split, split up
    discontinue an association or relation; go different ways
  3. verb
    part; cease or break association with
    synonyms: disassociate, disjoint, dissociate, disunite
    see moresee less
    type of:
    break, break up, part, separate, split, split up
    discontinue an association or relation; go different ways
Pronunciation
US

/dəˈvɔrs/

UK

/dɪˈvɔs/

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