Other forms: chasms
A chasm is a deep split in the ground, or a wide gap between views. A yawning chasm, a chasm between them, cross the chasm.
The figurative use is the commoner, and it is stronger than a gap: a chasm between two positions is one nothing can bridge. The ch is pronounced as a k, which catches people out.
1nounchasmA deep split in the ground, or a wide gap between views.
“The climbers crossed the chasm on a narrow rope bridge.”
chasm is a gap.
Greek chasma means a gaping opening, from the same root as chaos.
Ancient Greek
χάσμα — abyss, cleft
Latin
chasma
English, today
chasm
From Latin chasma, from Ancient Greek χάσμα (“abyss, cleft”). a doublet of chasma. Compare schism. Displaced native swelh and elh.
Etymology from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA