Definition

1. Verb (phrasal verb):
   • To end a relationship or association; to separate: The core meaning is to stop being together, either as a couple, a group, or partners.
   • To divide or separate something into parts: To cause a single unit or group to become multiple distinct parts.

Usage

• As a phrasal verb, "split up" is commonly used in informal and formal contexts to describe the dissolution of relationships or the division of things or people.
• It can be used both transitively (with a direct object) and intransitively (without a direct object).

Examples

• Intransitive (no object):
  • My friend and I split up. (We ended our friendship or partnership.)
  • The couple decided to split up after many years. (They decided to separate or end their romantic relationship.)
• Transitive (with an object):
  • The teacher split up the class into small groups. (The teacher divided the class.)
  • They agreed to split up the assets fairly. (They agreed to divide the property.)

Advanced Usage

• "to split up with someone": To end a romantic relationship with a specific person.
  • She split up with her boyfriend last month.
• Used in business or organizational contexts to describe the division of a company or team.
  • The large project was too complex, so they split it up into smaller phases.

Variants and Related Words

• Split (verb/noun): The base form. As a verb, it can mean to divide or crack. As a noun, it can mean a division or a crack.
  • Let's split the bill. (Verb: to divide the cost)
  • There was a split in the political party. (Noun: a division)
• Break up (phrasal verb): A very close synonym, especially for ending romantic relationships.
  • They broke up last summer.

Synonyms

• Separate: To move or cause to move apart.
• Divide: To separate into parts or groups.
• Part ways: To go in different directions, ending an association.
• Disperse: To break up and scatter in different directions (often for a crowd).

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Split off: To separate from a larger group.
  • A faction split off from the main party to form a new one.
• Split apart: Similar to "split up," often emphasizing a forceful or dramatic separation.
  • The impact of the scandal split the family apart.

Related Idioms

• Go their separate ways: An idiom meaning to end a relationship or association and pursue different paths.
  • After graduation, the friends went their separate ways.

Noun

1. an increase in the number of outstanding shares of a corporation without changing the shareholders' equity
   • they announced a two-for-one split of the common stock

Verb

1. become separated into pieces or fragments
   • The figurine broke
   • The freshly baked loaf fell apart
2. discontinue an association or relation; go different ways
   • The business partners broke over a tax question
   • The couple separated after 25 years of marriage
   • My friend and I split up
3. separate into parts or portions
   • divide the cake into three equal parts
   • The British carved up the Ottoman Empire after World War I
4. get a divorce; formally terminate a marriage
   • The couple divorced after only 6 months