Divorce, n.
Etymology: [F. divorce, L. divortium, fr. divortere, divertere, to turn different ways, to separate. See Divert.]
1. (Law) (a) 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. "from the bond of matrimony." (b) The separation of a married woman from the bed and board of her husband -- divorce a mensa et toro (or thoro), "from bed board."
2. The decree or writing by which marriage is dissolved.
3. Separation; disunion of things closely united. To make divorce of their incorporate league. Shak.
4. That which separates. [Obs.] Shak. Bill of divorce. See under Bill.
1 other Webster entry under this spelling
Divorce, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Divorced; p. pr. & vb. n. Divorcing.]
1. To dissolve the marriage contract of, either wholly or partially; to separate by divorce.
2. To separate or disunite; to sunder. It [a word] was divorced from its old sense. Earle.
3. To make away; to put away. Nothing but death Shall e'er divorce my dignities. Shak.
Shades of meaning
Fernald lists divorce only as an antonym, under alliance, attachment, marriage, union.
He lists it without comment; the entries above explain its neighbors.