di·vide / diˈvīd/ • v. 1. separate or be separated into parts: [tr.] consumer magazines can be divided into a number of different categories | [intr.] the cell clusters began to divide rapidly. ∎  [tr.] separate (something) into portions and distribute a share to each of a number of people: Jack divided up the rest of the cash | the property was divided among his heirs. ∎  [tr.] allocate (different parts of one's time, attention, or efforts) to different activities or places: the last years of her life were divided between Bermuda and Paris. ∎  [tr.] form a boundary between (two people or things): the artificial barrier that has divided an academic education from a vocational one. ∎  (of a legislative assembly) separate or be separated into two groups for voting: [intr.] the House divided: 287 for, 196 against. 2. disagree or cause to disagree: [tr.] the question had divided Frenchmen since the Revolution | [as adj.] (divided) a divided party leadership | [intr.] cities where politicians frequently divide along racial lines. 3. [tr.] Math. find how many times (a number) contains another: 36 divided by 2 equals 18 | [intr.] the program helps children to multiply and divide quickly and accurately. ∎  [intr.] (of a number) be susceptible to division without a remainder: 30 does not divide by 8. ∎  find how many times (a number) is contained in another: divide 4 into 20. ∎  [intr.] (of a number) be contained in a number without a remainder: 3 divides into 15.• n. a wide divergence between two groups, typically producing tension or hostility: there was still a profound cultural divide between the parties. ∎  a boundary between two things: symbolically, the difference of sex is a divide. ∎  a ridge or line of high ground forming the division between two valleys or river systems.PHRASES: divide and conquer (or rule) the policy of maintaining control over one's subordinates or subjects by encouraging dissent between them.divided against itself (of a group that should be coherent) split by factional interests: the regime is profoundly divided against itself.

divide XIV. — L. dīvidere cleave, apportion, separate, f. DI- 1 + *videre, f. IE. *widh- (see WIDOW).
So dividend portion of anything divided. XVI. — AN. dividende — L. dīvidendum, sb. use of n. gerundive of dīvidere. divider XVI. pl. dividing compasses XVIII. division XIV. — OF. devisiun (mod. division) — L. divisor (math.) XV. — F. or L.; see -OR 1.

divide divide and conquer the policy of maintaining control over one's subordinates or opponents by encouraging dissent between them, thereby preventing them from uniting in opposition.
divide and rule government is more easily maintained if factions are set against each other, and not allowed to unite against the ruler. The saying, recorded in English from the early 17th century, translates the Latin maxim divide et impera; it is sometimes misattributed to Machiavelli, who in fact denounced the principle.

divide The boundary between separate catchment areas or drainage basins. It is normally marked topographically by high ground. In British usage, a divide is sometimes called a watershed, but watershed has a different sense in US usage.

divide The boundary between separate catchment areas or drainage basins. It is normally marked topographically by high ground. In British usage, a divide is sometimes called a watershed, but watershed has a different sense in US usage.