halve

[ hav, hahv ]

verb (used with object)

, halved, halv·ing.

1. to divide into two equal parts.
2. to share equally:

   to halve one's rations with a stranger.

3. to reduce to half.
4. Golf. to play (a hole, round, or match) in the same number of strokes as one's opponent.

halve

/ hɑːv /

verb

1. to divide into two approximately equal parts
2. to share equally
3. to reduce by half, as by cutting
4. golf to take the same number of strokes on (a hole or round) as one's opponent

Other Words From

• un·halved adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of halve¹

1250–1300; Middle English halven, derivative of half

Word History and Origins

Origin of halve¹

Old English hielfan; related to Middle High German helben; see half

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. halve together, to join (two pieces of wood) by cutting from one, at the place of joining, a portion fitting to that left solid in the other.

Example Sentences

"Today's measures are an important part of our cross-government mission to halve violence against women and girls in a decade," she added.

From BBC

"If there's something you could do to more than halve your risk of death, physical activity is enormously powerful," he said.

From Science Daily

"We found that LXA4 could halve inflammation and scar formation, specifically in cases of heart disease induced by diabetes, as seen in the preclinical animal models," Dr Qin said.

From Science Daily

The Arts Council originally said it would effectively halve the ENO's grant even if it did agree to move, and gave the company until 2026 to relocate.

From BBC

These have yet to be defined, but are likely to include reducing knife crime and violence against women and girls - which Labour made high-profile promises to halve within a decade ahead of July's election.

From BBC