Origin: Latin suffix -tion
Separation has 10 different meanings across 1 category:
the state of lacking unity
"The separation between the two political factions has made cooperation impossible."
coming apart
"The old wooden fence began to show signs of separation as the weather grew harsher."
sorting one thing from others
"the separation of wheat from chaff"
"the separation of mail by postal zones"
the termination of employment (by resignation or dismissal)
"After his separation from the company, John spent a month updating his resume before finding a new job."
(law) the cessation of cohabitation of man and wife (either by mutual agreement or under a court order)
"The judge granted their request for legal separation, allowing them to live apart while remaining legally married."
the act of dividing or disconnecting
"The sudden separation of the two metal plates caused a loud clang as they disconnected from each other."
The act of disuniting two or more things, or the condition of being separated.
"The separation of the tectonic plates created a new ocean basin over millions of years."
In plain English: Separation is when two people or things are moved apart so they are no longer together.
"The long separation between his birth and death was finally over when they reunited at home."
Usage: Use separation to describe the state of being apart rather than the specific action of separating someone. It is often confused with divorce when referring to couples living apart without legally ending their marriage.
The word "separation" entered English in the 15th century via Middle English and Old French, ultimately deriving from the Latin separatio. It is formed by combining the root for "apart" with a suffix indicating an action or state, reflecting its original meaning of being set aside.