1. to cause or create a schism; to divide into opposing groups, especially within a religious organization
Usage: formal; often used in religious contexts

Examples

• The controversial doctrine threatened to schismatize the entire denomination.
• Religious leaders worked to prevent the dispute from schismatizing their community.
• The reformist movement began to schismatize the traditional church structure.
• Political differences started to schismatize the once-unified organization.
• The bishop’s radical teachings would eventually schismatize his followers.
• Efforts to modernize worship practices began to schismatize the congregation.