What does "separation" mean?

1. (being apart) the state of being apart or the act of moving things away from each other. 2. (distance or gap) a gap or space that keeps two things apart. 3. (marital status) when a married couple decides to live in different homes but stays legally married. 4. (leaving a job) the act of leaving a job or the military.

How do you use "separation"?

Often used in administrative or military contexts to describe the end of service.

separation

US //ˌsɛpɝˈeɪʃən// UK //sˌɛpəɹˈeɪʃən// sep·a·ra·tion

1 being apart (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the state of being apart or the act of moving things away from each other.

the act of disuniting two or more things, or the condition of being separated.

Example

The separation of the two chemicals must be done very carefully in the lab.

Example

The physical separation of the two departments led to a noticeable breakdown in daily communication and collaborative problem-solving.
- disconnection
- detachment
- division
2 distance or gap (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a gap or space that keeps two things apart.

an interval, gap, or physical space that divides things or people.

Example

There was a small separation between the two buildings where a path ran.

Example

The safety regulations require a minimum separation of five metres between the fuel storage tanks and the main office block.
- closeness
- proximity

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3 marital status (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate Law

when a married couple decides to live in different homes but stays legally married.

the condition of a married couple living in separate residences while remaining legally married, often as a precursor to divorce.

Example

After years of arguing, the couple agreed to a legal separation.

Example

The lawyer explained that a formal separation agreement would address child custody and asset division without dissolving the marriage entirely.
- breakup
- estrangement
- reconciliation
4 leaving a job (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal Technical Military

the act of leaving a job or the military.

the termination of a contractual relationship, specifically departure from active military duty or employment.

Example

He received his official separation papers from the army last week.

Example

The human resources department handled the involuntary separation of several hundred employees following the merger of the two firms.

Usage

Often used in administrative or military contexts to describe the end of service.
- enlistment
- recruitment

Origin

Attested in the 15th Century C.E.; from Middle English separacioun, from Old French separacion, from Latin separatio, separationem. Morphologically separate + -ion.