(~s)
1.
The ~ of two or more things or groups is the fact that they are separate or become separate, and are not linked.
...a ‘Christian republic’ in which there was a clear ~ between church and state.
N-VAR: oft N of/from/between n
2.
During a ~, people who usually live together are not together.
All children will tend to suffer from ~ from their parents and siblings.
N-VAR
3.
If a couple who are married or living together have a ~, they decide to live apart.
They agreed to a trial ~.
N-VAR