separation
UK: ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən | US: ˌsɛpəˈreɪʃən
n. the act or process of moving or being moved apart
n. the state of being divided or disconnected
n. a legal arrangement by which a married couple live apart but remain married
The word "separation" traces back to Latin separatio, derived from separare ("to divide"). The prefix se- implies "apart," while parare originally meant "to prepare" but evolved to signify division in this context. Over time, -atio was added to form a noun denoting the act or state of being divided. The term entered Middle English via Old French, retaining its core meaning of disconnection or division.
The separation of the two countries led to decades of conflict.
After years of marriage, they decided on a legal separation.
The machine uses magnetism for the separation of metals from waste.
Emotional separation from family can be challenging for international students.
The artist’s work explores the separation between reality and imagination.