divorce

Divorce or dissolution of marriage is the ending of a marriage before the death of either spouse.It can be contrasted with an annulment, which is a declaration that a marriage is void, though the effects of marriage may be recognized in such unions, such as spousal support or alimony, child custody, child support, and distribution of property.In many developed countries, divorce rates increased markedly during the twentieth century. Among the states in which divorce has become commonplace are the United States, South Korea, and members of the European Union, with the exception of Malta  (where all civil marriages are for life, because civil divorce is banned). In addition, acceptance of the single-parent family has resulted in many women deciding to have children outside marriage, as there is little remaining social stigma attached to unwed mothers in some societies.  Japan retains a markedly lower divorce rate, though it has increased in recent years. The subject of divorce as a social phenomenon is an important research topic in sociology.
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n. divorce, legal dissolution of a marriage

adj. divorced

n. divorcee, divorced woman, grass widower, man who is divorced from his wife, man who is separated from his wife

v. divorce

(n.)
To separate or disunite; to sunder.
  

(n.)
To make away; to put away.
  

(n.)
To dissolve the marriage contract of, either wholly or partially; to separate by divorce.
  

(n.)
The separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband -- divorce a mensa et toro (/ thoro), "from bed board."
  

(n.)
The decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.
  

(n.)
That which separates.
  

(n.)
Separation; disunion of things closely united.
  

(n.)
A legal dissolution of the marriage contract by a court or other body having competent authority. This is properly a divorce, and called, technically, divorce a vinculo matrimonii.
  

The legal termination of a marriage contract. The EU is further developing its initiatives allowing court decisions relating to family law to be recognised and enforced throughout the Union. . (See Judicial-civil: Divorce and Parental responsibility)