Divorce sb from sth Meaning / Examples / How to Use

What Does “Divorce sb from sth” Mean?

“Divorce sb from sth” means to separate someone from something, often emotionally or mentally, breaking a strong connection or influence.

Introduction

The phrase “divorce sb from sth” is commonly used in English to describe the act of separating a person from a particular thing, idea, or situation. It is often metaphorical, referring to breaking emotional or mental ties rather than a physical separation. Understanding the divorce sb from sth meaning helps learners grasp how to express detachment or disconnection in various contexts. This phrase can be used in formal and informal settings, such as discussing personal relationships, beliefs, or habits. Knowing how to use this phrasal verb correctly will improve your English fluency and help you describe complex emotional or psychological separations clearly.

Quick Info Box

• Phrasal verb: divorce sb from sth (divorce somebody from something)
• Type: Transitive
• Level: B2
• Short meaning: To separate someone from something, especially emotionally or mentally

Structure (Grammar Rules)

“Divorce sb from sth” is a transitive phrasal verb. It is inseparable, meaning you cannot place the object between “divorce” and “from.” The structure follows this pattern:

• Divorce + somebody + from + something

Examples:

• They divorced the child from his cultural roots.
• It is hard to divorce yourself from old habits.

How to Use “Divorce sb from sth”?

This phrase is mostly used in figurative language to describe breaking a connection, especially emotional or mental. You can use it when talking about separating someone from ideas, emotions, or relationships. It often implies that the separation is difficult or unnatural.

It can be used in various contexts like psychology, social discussions, or personal relationships.

Examples

Here are some natural sentences using “divorce sb from sth”:

• It’s almost impossible to divorce yourself from your childhood memories.
• The new policy divorced employees from their familiar working environment.
• She tried to divorce herself from the negative opinions of others.
• Parents should not divorce their children from their cultural heritage.
• The film divorces the character from reality to create a surreal experience.

Common Mistakes

Many learners confuse this phrase with literal divorce or try to separate the object incorrectly. Here are some examples of incorrect and correct usage:

• Incorrect: Divorce from the job him.
  Correct: Divorce him from the job.
• Incorrect: Divorce the habit you from.
  Correct: Divorce yourself from the habit.
• Incorrect: Divorce sb sth.
  Correct: Divorce sb from sth.

Differences / Synonyms

Other phrasal verbs like “separate sb from sth” or “detach sb from sth” are similar but less emotional or mental. “Divorce sb from sth” often implies a deeper or more difficult separation.

• Separate sb from sth: Usually physical or straightforward separation.
• Detach sb from sth: Focuses on removing emotional or physical attachment.
• Divorce sb from sth: Emphasizes breaking a strong or long-lasting connection, often emotionally or mentally.

Common Collocations

This phrasal verb is commonly used with the following objects:

• Yourself from old habits – breaking personal routines
• Someone from their culture – losing cultural identity
• People from their beliefs – changing or losing faith
• Children from their families – emotional or physical separation
• Employees from their workplace – detachment from a job environment

Related Phrasal Verbs

Here are related phrasal verbs of divorce sb from sth:

• Divorce Sth From Sth

Real-life Dialogue

Here is a short conversation using “divorce sb from sth”:

Anna: It’s tough to divorce yourself from your past mistakes, isn’t it?

James: Yes, but sometimes we need to let go to move forward.

Anna: Exactly. I’m trying to divorce myself from negative thoughts these days.

Practice

Try to complete the sentences below with the correct form of “divorce sb from sth”:

• It’s hard to _______ yourself _______ bad habits once they become routine.
• The new law aims to _______ citizens _______ outdated regulations.
• She felt divorced _______ her family after moving abroad.

FAQs

• What does “divorce sb from sth” mean? It means to separate someone from something, often emotionally or mentally.
• Is “divorce sb from sth” a common phrase? Yes, especially in formal or literary English.
• Can I use “divorce” literally in this phrase? No, it is mostly figurative, not a legal divorce.
• Is the phrase separable? No, you cannot put the object between “divorce” and “from.”
• What are synonyms for “divorce sb from sth”? Some synonyms are “separate sb from sth” and “detach sb from sth.”