DIVIDE

(SEPARATE) [verb] - to (cause to) separate into parts, or to cause (people) to disagree stronglyAt the end of the lecture, I'd like all the students to divide into small discussion groups. [I]Divide the pastry into four equal parts. [T] After World War Two, Germany was divided into two separate countries for more than four decades. [T]The independent candidate was accused of dividing the opposition vote and allowing the previous representative to be re-elected. [T]The vote is expected to divide equally/evenly for and against the proposal. [I]To divide is also to share.I think we should divide (up) the costs equally among/between us. [T or M]Britain is to divide the development costs with Germany and France. [T]If something divides two areas, it marks the edge or limit of them.There's a narrow alley which divides our house from the one next door. [T]This path marks the dividing line between my land and my neighbour's. [T]It is not always easy to draw a dividing line between erotica and pornography.To divide something is also to use different amounts of it for different purposes or activities.She divides her time between her apartment in New York and her cottage in Yorkshire.Greg divides his energies between running the company and playing tennis.To divide a group of people is to cause them to disagree.When it was first introduced, the ordination of women deeply divided (members of) the Church of England.The party is divided (= Its members disagree) on/over the issue of capital punishment.(UK) If representatives in Parliament divide, they vote by separating into two groups, one group who want the law which is being voted on to be accepted and one group who are against it.After a lengthy debate, MPs/the House of Commons divided.Divide and rule is a way of acting which a person in a position of power uses to keep himself or herself in power by causing disagreements among other people so that they are unable to question his or her power.