Sundered: meaning, definitions and examples

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sundered

 

[ˈsʌndərd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

physical separation

To sunder means to break, split, or divide something into parts. It often refers to a physical separation but can also be used metaphorically to describe the breaking of relationships or connections.

Synonyms

break, divide, separate, split.

Examples of usage

  • The storm sundered the ship from its moorings.
  • Years of conflict have sundered the two nations.
  • Their differing beliefs sundered their friendship.
Context #2 | Verb

emotional separation

Sunder can also refer to emotional or relational breakage, emphasizing the impact of division on social or personal bonds.

Synonyms

detach, disjoin, dissolve, partition.

Examples of usage

  • The betrayal sundered their trust.
  • Death often sundered families, leaving them to mourn.
  • Distance can sunder friendships over time.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'sundor', which means 'apart' or 'separate'.
  • Its use can be traced back to early Middle English in literature, often to describe separation.
  • Related words include 'sunder', which means the action of separating.

Literature

  • Sundered is often used in poetry and prose to evoke emotions tied to loss or division.
  • In Shakespeare's works, themes of separation and conflict frequently lead to sundering relationships.
  • Classic novels like 'Wuthering Heights' showcase characters who undergo emotional sundering due to circumstances.

Psychology

  • Sundering in relationships can lead to psychological repercussions, such as grief or depression.
  • The process of sundering can be a significant factor in development, highlighting emotional resilience.
  • People often feel like they have been sundered from their past selves during major life changes, like moving to a new city.

Cultural Significance

  • Various cultures have folklore involving the sundering of families, often as a plot device in tales of love and loss.
  • Sundering is a common theme in war narratives, reflecting the real-world impacts of conflict on relationships.
  • Many songs and ballads reference being sundered as a metaphor for heartbreak and longing.

History

  • Historical events, such as the partitioning of territories, often lead to communities being sundered and lead to long-lasting impacts.
  • The term is often applied to the sundering of empires, bringing forth both cultural and political consequences.
  • Various revolutions throughout history have resulted in sundering existing societal structures.

Translations

Translations of the word "sundered" in other languages:

🇵🇹 despedaçado

🇮🇳 टूटना

🇩🇪 zerbrochen

🇮🇩 terputus

🇺🇦 розірваний

🇵🇱 rozdarty

🇯🇵 引き裂かれた

🇫🇷 déchiré

🇪🇸 rasgado

🇹🇷 yırtılmış

🇰🇷 찢어진

🇸🇦 ممزق

🇨🇿 roztržený

🇸🇰 roztrhnutý

🇨🇳 撕裂的

🇸🇮 raztrgan

🇮🇸 sundraður

🇰🇿 жарылып кеткен

🇬🇪 გახვრეტილი

🇦🇿 parçalanmış

🇲🇽 desgarrado

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,169 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.