Rive
WordNet
verb
(1) Separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument
"Cleave the bone"
(2) Tear or be torn violently
"The curtain ripped from top to bottom"
"Pull the cooked chicken into strips"
WiktionaryText
Etymology
From . Compare Swedish , Danish .
Verb
- To tear apart by force; to split; to cleave.
- To pierce or cleave with a weapon.
- 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book II:
- he wente vnto her for to haue taken the swerd oute of her hand but [...] sodenly she sette the pomell to the ground, and rofe her self thorow the body.
- 1485, Sir Thomas Malory, Le Morte Darthur, Book II:
- To be split or rent asunder.