verb

sunder

SUHND

Sunder (verb) means to split something apart, especially violently or completely. Example: “The war sundered the two nations for a generation.”

verb

To split something apart, especially violently or completely.

"The war sundered the two nations for a generation."

"Their friendship was sundered by years of misunderstanding."

How to use sunder

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo tear or break something apart, often permanently.

When to use it

A literary or formal word — used in poetry, fiction, and legal/historical writing more than everyday speech.

Common pairings

sunder ties sundered by war

Word forms

more sunder comparative, sundered past tense, sunders plural, sunders singular, most sunder superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The war _____ the two nations for a generation.

Etymology

From Old English sundor- ("separate, apart"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "isolated" — related to Latin sine ("without").

Origin: Latin

Rhymes for sunder

under dunder thunder launder founder plunder blunder asunder sounder rounder pounder flounder

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Frequently asked questions

What does “sunder” mean?

The word “sunder” means to split something apart, especially violently or completely. In plain terms, to tear or break something apart, often permanently.

How do you pronounce “sunder”?

“Sunder” is pronounced SUHND (/ˈsʌndɚ/ in IPA).

How do you use “sunder” in a sentence?

Here is “sunder” used in a sentence: “The war sundered the two nations for a generation.”

What part of speech is “sunder”?

“Sunder” is a verb.

Where does the word “sunder” come from?

The word “sunder” comes from Latin. From Old English sundor- ("separate, apart"), from a Proto-Germanic root meaning "isolated" — related to Latin sine ("without").