halve

American  

[hav, hahv] / hæv, hɑv /

verb (used with object)

halved, halving

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.

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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.

halve British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

• unhalved adjective

Etymology

Origin of halve

1250–1300; Middle English halven, derivative of half

Example Sentences

To take just one example, Australia - led by a Labour government from which this government often takes inspiration - has halved its fuel taxes.

From BBC

The Australian government has announced a series of temporary measures aimed at easing immediate cost pressures, including halving fuel excise - a sales tax - and scrapping road user charges for heavy vehicles for three months.

From BBC

Australia this week announced temporary tax relief for small businesses and halved a fuel tax to help motorists experiencing soaring petrol prices, but has resisted imposing fuel restrictions.

From Barron's

Leading economic institutes more than halved their growth forecasts for Germany on Wednesday, warning that the energy shock caused by the Middle East war would hit Europe's top economy hard.

From Barron's

Germany’s leading economic-research institutes more than halved their expectations for growth this year as the conflict in the Middle East hits energy markets.

From The Wall Street Journal