asunder

English

Alternative forms

• asundre (obsolete)

Etymology

Originally two words; from Old English on (“a (preposition)”) sundran (“separate position”). Cognate with Danish sønder, Swedish sönder, Dutch zonder, Icelandic sundur and Norwegian sunder/sønder, from Old Norse í sundr, akin to Gothic 𐍃𐌿𐌽𐌳𐍂𐍉 (sundro).

Pronunciation

• (UK) IPA: /əˈsʌndə/

• Rhymes: -ʌndə(r)

Adverb

asunder (comparative more asunder, superlative most asunder)

1. Into separate parts or pieces; apart.

   Lest anyone find her treasure, she tore the map asunder and cast its pieces into the wind.

   • 1985, Kate Bush, Running Up That Hill

     You don't want to hurt me, but see how deep the bullet lies. Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder. There is thunder in our hearts, baby

Translations

into separate parts

Bulgarian: на парчета (bg), на части (bg) Czech: na kusy (cs) Finnish: hajalle, kahtia

Scottish Gaelic: air leth (gd) Spanish: en dos (es), en pedazos (es)

See also

• in twain