də̇ˈvīs]iv, ]ēv also -viz] or -vis] or ]əv sometimes -vīz] adjective
Etymology: Medieval Latin, divisivus, from Latin divisus (past participle of dividere to divide) + -ivus -ive — more at divide
1. archaic : having the quality of separating or distinguishing : distributive , analytical
2. : creating or tending to create disunity or dissension
criticized his divisive activities in a time of peril
• di·vi·sive·ly ]ə̇vlē, -li adverb
• di·vi·sive·ness ]ivnə̇s, ]ēv- also ]əv- noun -es