Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
cleave
verb
/kliv/
Definition
To split or sever something, especially along a natural line or grain.
Examples
- She used a sharp knife to cleave the wood into manageable pieces.
- The loyal dog seemed to cleave to its owner no matter the circumstances.
Meaning
To cleave can mean to cut something into pieces or to stick closely to something. It has two opposite meanings which can refer to division or adherence.
Synonyms
- Split
- Sever
- Divide
- Stick
- Adhere
