rift

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   A serious break in friendly relations; a state of conflict or distance between people.

   The argument over money caused a lasting rift between the two brothers.

2. 2
   noun

   A deep crack or split in rock or the ground.

   Lava flowed up through a rift in the volcanic floor.

3. 3
   noun

   A gap or opening, especially in clouds, that lets light through.

   Sunlight streamed through a rift in the clouds.

From Middle English rift, of North Germanic origin; akin to Danish rift, Norwegian Bokmål rift (“breach”), Old Norse rífa (“to tear”). More at rive.

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