Rift

A rift is a crack, split, or break in something, whether physical or metaphorical. It can describe a physical fissure in rock or ice, or a break in relationships, unity, or harmony. It suggests a separation or division, often implying a cause for the separation and potential difficulty in repair or reconciliation. The term can also relate to the concept of a significant difference in opinion, belief, or understanding that creates distance between individuals or groups. The depth of a rift varies; it can be a minor disagreement or a deep-seated, unresolvable conflict.

Rift meaning with examples

• The earthquake caused a massive rift in the earth, swallowing entire buildings. Geologists examined the geological rift, hoping to understand tectonic plate movement and the area's seismic activity. The massive crack was a serious problem.
• A long-standing rift developed between the two friends after a misunderstanding. They had previously shared everything, but the rift grew deeper as time passed, making reconciliation seem impossible. The break created a serious and negative relationship.
• The political party suffered a major rift when its members could not agree on key policy issues. The division caused a significant decline in public support, and internal struggles created a lot of chaos. The difference was problematic.
• The argument created a rift in the otherwise close-knit family. The emotional distance caused by the rift led to strained communication and silent treatment from the family, impacting gatherings. The separation damaged their ties.
• The discovery of their hidden treasure led to a rift between the two explorers, revealing a clash of values. Their partnership, once based on trust, crumbled as they fought about what to do with the ancient artifacts and the shared knowledge.