Etymology: Dutch splitten, from Middle Dutch; akin to Middle High German splīzen to split and probably to Old High German spaltan to split
Date: 1567
transitive verb1 a: to divide lengthwise usually along a grain or seam or by layers b: to affect as if by cleaving or forcing apart <the river splits the town in two> 2 a (1): to tear or rend apart :burst(2): to subject (an atom or atomic nucleus) to artificial disintegration by fission b: to affect as if by breaking up or tearing apart :shatter<a roar that split the air> 3: to divide into parts or portions: as a: to divide between persons :shareb: to divide into factions, parties, or groups c: to mark (a ballot) or cast or register (a vote) so as to vote for candidates of different parties d (1): to divide or break down (a chemical compound) into constituents <split a fat into glycerol and fatty acids>(2): to remove by such separation <split off carbon dioxide>e: to divide (stock) by issuing a larger number of shares to existing shareholders usually without increase in total par value 4: to separate (the parts of a whole) by interposing something <split an infinitive> 5:leave<split the party><split town>intransitive verb1 a: to become split lengthwise or into layers b: to break apart :burst 2 a: to become divided up or separated off <split into factions><split from the group>b: to sever relations or connections :separatec:leave; especially: to leave without delay <split for the coast> 3British: to betray confidence : act as an informer —usually used with on 4: to apportion shares