Definition of "divide" []

• To separate into parts, sections, groups, or branches: divided the students into four groups. See Synonyms at separate. (verb-transitive)
• To sector into units of measurement; graduate: The ruler was divided into metric units. (verb-transitive)
• To separate and group according to kind; classify: divided the plants by genus. (verb-transitive)
• To cause to separate into opposing factions; disunite: "They want not to divide either the Revolution or the Church but to be an integral part of both” ( Conor Cruise O'Brien). (verb-transitive)
• To cause (members of a parliament) to vote by separating into groups, as pro and con. (verb-transitive)

American Heritage(R) Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright (c) 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

• "In reality the divide is a relatively recent development, perhaps set in stone in perceptions by moments of mutual cultural hostility between Europe and America."
• "I wish there was a "new wave of change" but I fear that the divide is the same problem we see in the Middle East."
• "I understand your concern but it seems to me that the main factor driving this divide is the limited supply of dense, walkable, green neighborhoods for people to live in."