The phrase "put asunder" means to separate or break apart. Spelling this phrase can be a bit tricky due to the pronunciation of the word "asunder". It is pronounced /əˈsʌndə(r)/, with the stress on the first syllable. The "a" sound in "asunder" is pronounced like the "u" sound in "umbrella". To spell it correctly, remember to use a single "s" in "asunder" and not to confuse it with the word "asunder", which means a group of zoo animals.
Put asunder is a phrase primarily used in religious or legal contexts to describe the act of separating or dissolving a previously established unity, typically referring to a marriage or a relationship. This phrase carries a profound connotation, emphasizing the permanent severance or dissolution of a bond or connection between two entities.
In the context of marriage, "put asunder" refers to the act of ending a marital union, either through legal means or the declaration of divorce. It signifies the complete and irreversible breakdown of the relationship, rendering the couple no longer bound by the vows or obligations that once connected them.
The phrase can also extend beyond marital relationships and encompass any form of separation, such as dissolving business partnerships or ending a close friendship. In these cases, "put asunder" emphasizes the finality and irreversibility of the separation, signifying the complete disintegration or breaking apart of the previously existing bond or connection.
Religiously, "put asunder" is often associated with biblical verses that stress the sanctity and indissolubility of marriage. It references the idea that what God has joined together, no human should separate. Thus, to put asunder is seen as a significant, regrettable event that goes against a divine will or spiritual union.
Overall, "put asunder" expresses the idea of permanent separation and is commonly employed in discussions of divorce, legal dissolutions, or the ending of significant relationships, highlighting the finality and gravity of the action.
The phrase "put asunder" originated from the Christian Bible, specifically from the King James Version. It comes from the gospel of Matthew, chapter 19, verse 6: "Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder".
In this context, "put asunder" means to separate or dissolve the union of a married couple. It is derived from Middle English and Old English, where "asunder" meant "into separate parts" or "apart". The word "asunder" itself can be traced back to the Old English word "on sundran", which means "into separate places" or "into pieces". So, "put asunder" essentially means to break or tear something apart.