Sundering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sundering
[ˈsʌndərɪŋ ]
Definition
separating forces
To sunder means to split apart or to separate something into two or more parts. This term often conveys a sense of forcefulness or violence in the action of breaking or dividing.
Synonyms
dismember, divide, sever, split.
Examples of usage
- The earthquake sundered the town into separate regions.
- Their disagreements sundered the once close-knit group.
- The river has sundered the land into two distinct areas.
- Years of conflict sundered the family beyond repair.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- In classical literature, the theme of sundering often reflects separation in relationships or the tearing apart of ideals, as seen in epics like 'The Iliad'.
- Many poets use the concept of separation to express sorrow or loss, creating emotional depth in their works.
- Shakespeare frequently employed the idea of sundering to illustrate conflict and broken bonds in plays such as 'Romeo and Juliet'.
Science
- In biology, the process of cell division is akin to sundering, where one cell splits into two to enable growth and reproduction.
- Geologically, the phenomenon of tectonic plate movement can lead to sundering of landmasses over millions of years, changing the Earth's face.
- In physics, sundering can refer to the separating of forces or components in a system, often analyzed in studies of equilibrium.
Pop Culture
- Movies and shows often depict sundering in the form of dramatic breakups or conflicts between characters, which captivate audiences with their emotional stakes.
- In fantasy tales, sundering can symbolize the division between realms or the breaking of an ancient bond, leading to epic quests.
- Video games frequently incorporate sundering as a narrative device, where teams or heroes are separated and must reunite to achieve their goals.
Psychology
- The feeling of sundering can create a sense of loss or grief, often explored in psychological studies surrounding relationships and attachment.
- Separation anxiety is a common phenomenon wherein individuals struggle with the emotional impact of being apart from loved ones.
- Therapeutic practices sometimes focus on the idea of sundering as a way to encourage individuals to confront and heal from past separations.
Origin of 'sundering'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sundering' comes from the Old English 'sundor', which means 'apart' or 'separately'.
- It has roots in the Proto-Germanic word ‘sundrō’, showing its long history in language.
- Related terms include 'sunder', which means the same thing but is often used more formally.
The word 'sunder' originates from the Old English term 'syndrian', which meant 'to separate' or 'to divide.' The root can be traced back to Proto-Germanic '*sunþrō', which is related to similar words in other Germanic languages, such as Old High German 'sundarō' and Old Norse 'sundr'. The evolution of the word in English reflects a broader semantic range from a more general sense of separation to a connotation of violent or forcible division. With its use dating back to the early Middle Ages, 'sunder' has captured the imagination of writers and poets, emphasizing the dramatic impact of separation in relationships, communities, and even in nature.