- divorce (n.)
- late 14c., from Old French divorce (14c.), from Latin divortium "separation, dissolution of marriage," from divertere "to separate, leave one's husband, turn aside" (see divert). Not distinguished in English from legal separation until mid-19c.
- divorce (v.)
- late 14c., from Old French divorcer, from divorce (see divorce (n.)). Related: Divorced; divorcing.