noun A split or separation within a group or organization, typically caused by discord.
A schism broke the organization into two rivals.
noun A movement or organization that splits off from a larger body.
He founded a schism that eventually rivaled the original organization in size.
noun A formal division or split within a religious body.
The schism between Sunnis and Shias happened quite early in Islamic history.
noun A split within Christianity whereby a group is no longer in communion with the Church or its ecclesiastical authorities, but shares essentially the same beliefs; in other words, a political split without the introduction of heresy.