separation of church and state

noun phrase

Definition of separation of church and state

: the act or state of keeping government and religion separate from each other

Word by Word Definitions

separation play

: the act or process of separating : the state of being separated
: a point, line, or means of division
: an intervening space : gap

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church play

: a building for public and especially Christian worship
: the clergy or officialdom of a religious body
: a body or organization of religious believers: such as

: of or relating to a church
: of or relating to the established church

: to bring to church to receive one of its rites

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state play

: mode or condition of being
: condition of mind or temperament
: a condition of abnormal tension or excitement

: to set by regulation or authority
: to express the particulars of especially in words : report

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Law Dictionary

separation of church and state

legal Definition of separation of church and state

: the separation of religion and government mandated under the establishment clause and the free exercise clause of the U.S. Constitution that forbids governmental establishment or preference of a religion and that preserves religious freedom from governmental intrusion