chasm

UK: /ˈkæzəm/ US: /ˈkæzəm/ ,(kaz′əm)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

chasm /ˈkæzəm/   n. [countable]

1. Geography a wide, deep crack in the earth's surface.
2. a wide split in opinions, etc., esp. one producing a break in relations:
   to overcome the great chasm between our two nations.

chasmed, adj. 

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

chasm  (kaz′əm), n. 

1. Geography a yawning fissure or deep cleft in the earth's surface;
   gorge.
2. a breach or wide fissure in a wall or other structure.
3. a marked interruption of continuity;
   gap:
   a chasm in time.
4. a sundering breach in relations, as a divergence of opinions, beliefs, etc., between persons or groups.

• Greek, equivalent. to cha- (root of chaínein to gape; see yawn) + -(a)sma resultative suffix
• Latin
• apocopated variant of chasma 1590–1600

chas′mal, chas′mic, adj. 
chasmed, adj. 
chasm′y, adj. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

chasm / ˈkæzəm/ noun

1. a deep cleft in the ground; abyss
2. a break in continuity; gap
3. a wide difference in interests, feelings, etc

Etymology: 17th Century: from Latin chasma, from Greek khasma; related to Greek khainein to gape

chasmal / ˈkæzməl/, ˈchasmic adjective