separation

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   the social act of separating or parting company

   the separation of church and state

2. 2
   noun

   sorting one thing from others

   the separation of wheat from chaff

3. 3
   noun

   the distance between things

   fragile items require separation and cushioning

4. 4
   noun

   the space where a division or parting occurs

   The crook hid in the separation between walls.

5. 5
   noun

   The act or condition of two or more people being separated from one another.

   We were a band of brothers, and never dearer to each other than now. The thought which gave us the most pain, was the probable separation which would now take place, in case we were sold off to the far south, as we were likely to be.

6. 6
   noun

   The act or condition of a married couple living in separate homes while remaining legally married.

   ‘If he dares to refuse me a separation, I’ll have one in law—I can—and I hope this will be a warning to all girls who have seen this disgraceful exhibition.’

7. 7
   noun

   The place at which a division occurs.

   I was now on the separation of two vast water-sheds; behind me all the streams were bound for the Garonne and the Western Ocean; before me was the basin of the Rhone.

8. 8
   noun

   An interval, gap or space that separates things or people.

   […] gentle friend, for love and courtesy Lie further off; in human modesty, Such separation as may well be said Becomes a virtuous bachelor and a maid, So far be distant;

Etymology

Attested in the 15th Century C.E.; from Middle English separacioun, from Old French separacion, from Latin separatio, separationem. Morphologically separate + -ion.