rift
Plural
rifts
1
a visible separation or gap between masses of clouds
- A rift opened in the clouds, letting sunlight stream through.
- The photographer captured a rift in the stormy sky.
- Birds flew through a narrow rift between the clouds.
- The morning rift revealed a patch of blue sky.
- A rift in the overcast allowed the mountains to be seen.
2
an end to a friendly relationship between people or organizations caused by a serious disagreement
- The rift between the two longtime friends started over a minor disagreement but quickly escalated into a full-blown feud.
- The scandal caused a significant rift within the organization, leading to resignations and infighting.
- Efforts to heal the rift between the two countries were unsuccessful, and diplomatic relations remained strained.
- The family's rift began when the inheritance was disputed, creating lasting divisions among siblings.
- The rift in their relationship became apparent when they stopped communicating altogether.
Synonyms:
3
a narrow crack or split in rock or the earth's surface
- A deep rift ran through the mountainside.
- Geologists studied the rift to understand tectonic activity.
- The earthquake created a new rift in the valley floor.
- Water collected in the rift over time.
- The climbers had to navigate a dangerous rift.