asunder

Etymology

Originally two words; from Old English on (“a (preposition)”) sundran (“separate position”), from Proto-Germanic *sunder, *sundraz. Cognate with Danish sønder, Swedish sönder, Dutch zonder, German sonder, Icelandic sundur, Faroese sundur and Norwegian sunder/sønder; akin to Gothic 𐍃𐌿𐌽𐌳𐍂𐍉 (sundrō).

adv

1. (archaic, literary) Into separate parts or pieces.
   Lest anyone find her treasure, she tore the map asunder and cast its pieces into the wind.
   On both of those occasions, he came back to the fire with the inexplicable air upon him which I had remarked, without being able to define, when we were so far asunder. 1866, Charles Dickens, The Signal-Man
   You don't want to hurt me, but see how deep the bullet lies. Unaware that I'm tearing you asunder. There is thunder in our hearts. 1985, Kate Bush (lyrics and music), “Running Up That Hill”