chasm vs rift

chasm

• A deep, steep-sided rift, gap or fissure; a gorge or abyss. 

• A large difference of opinion. 

rift

• A chasm or fissure. 

• A break in the clouds, fog, mist etc., which allows light through. 

• A shallow place in a stream; a ford. 

• To form a rift; to split open. 

• To belch. 

• To cleave; to rive; to split.