WordGarden.ioasunder
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /əsˈʌndə/
US
- /əˈsəndər/
Meanings
Adverb
apart or into separate pieces
into a state of division or rupture
Beyond the definition
To tear something asunder means to violently separate it into pieces. Think of a powerful storm ripping a tree apart—the wind tears it asunder. It's a dramatic word, often used in stories and poetry when describing destruction or forceful separation. You might break a stick, but a hurricane rips something asunder.
The word has old roots, suggesting a complete and utter splitting. You'll often find it paired with strong verbs like "tear," "rent," or "split." Shakespeare loved using asunder to add weight to scenes of conflict and tragedy. For example, "They were torn asunder by their warring families."
The word asunder describes the act of being violently forced apart, split into pieces, or utterly separated. It's a dramatic and somewhat archaic term that implies a forceful and complete division—more than just breaking something; it's tearing it to shreds. Think of a ship broken asunder by a rogue wave, or a relationship torn asunder by betrayal.
While you can use asunder literally—describing physical objects being broken apart—it's often used figuratively to describe the shattering of relationships, plans, or even illusions. "Their friendship was rent asunder by jealousy," suggests a complete and irreparable break.
The word comes from Old English, meaning "apart" or "in pieces." It carries a sense of finality and destruction that simpler words like "apart" or "broken" don't quite capture. You won't typically hear someone say they "split their phone asunder"—it's reserved for more impactful events.
You might encounter asunder in classic literature, poetry, or dramatic contexts where the author wants to emphasize the severity of a separation. It adds a touch of old-world flair and emphasizes the complete and irreversible nature of the division. So when something is torn, ripped, or shattered asunder, it's not just broken—it's utterly destroyed and irrevocably separated.
Examples
- 1
Physical break
With a loud crack, the dry branch snapped asunder.
- Usage
formal/literary; uncommon in everyday speech
- 2
Explosion damage
The blast blew the wooden gate asunder.
- 3
Family division
Years of bitter argument had torn the family asunder.
- Patterntear + thing/group asunder
ruin it by causing deep division
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- asunderadjectiveadverb