The word schism is derived from the Greek σχισμα, schisma, meaning division or split (from σχιζο, schizo, "to split").

Schism can refer to:

A schismatic is someone who creates or incites schism. Schismatic can also be used as an adjective to describe ideas, policies, etc. that are thought to lead towards or promote schism.

In the early centuries of Christianity, schism was considered by many Christians to be as serious or more serious than heresy.