rive

[ rahyv ]

verb (used with object)

, rived, rived or riv·en, riv·ing.

1. to tear or rend apart:

   to rive meat from a bone.

2. to separate by striking; split; cleave.
3. to rend, harrow, or distress (the feelings, heart, etc.).
4. to split (wood) radially from a log.

verb (used without object)

, rived, rived or riv·en, riv·ing.

1. to become rent or split apart:

   stones that rive easily.

rive

/ raɪv /

verb

1. to split asunder

   a tree riven by lightning

2. to tear apart

   riven to shreds

3. archaic.
   to break (the heart) or (of the heart) to be broken

Other Words From

• un·rived adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of rive¹

1225–75; Middle English riven < Old Norse rīfa to tear, split. See rift

Word History and Origins

Origin of rive¹

C13: from Old Norse rīfa ; related to Old Frisian rīva

Example Sentences

But the club has also been riven by bitter arguments over its core mission.

From Los Angeles Times

A world increasingly riven by renewed great power rivalries and historic animosities is further weakened by Oval Office instability, exemplified by ill-advised remarks, ill-timed threats and outright lies.

From Los Angeles Times

The Times’ Joshua Rothkopf compared its story to Tom Wolfe’s “The Bonfire of the Vanities,” “a funhouse image of a clashing New York City riven by money, power and race.”

From Los Angeles Times

He also warned that the country was riven with deep divisions between the haves and have-nots.

From BBC

There are college campuses riven by protests and great uncertainty over cease-fire prospects.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• disintegrate
• divide
• fracture
• rend
• shatter
• splinter