riven
Americanverb
adjective
-
rent or split apart.
-
split radially, as a log.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of riven
First recorded in 1275–1325, for the adjective
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
One of those strengths is a mental fortitude that comes with representing a country that is riven by crisis and humanitarian disaster.
From BBC • Jun. 13, 2026
Homelessness has been a vexing problem throughout American history, an issue riven by disagreements among policymakers and legislators over how best to help people in need of shelter.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 11, 2026
The Southeast Asian nation of some 50 million is riven by civil war and there will be no voting in rebel-held areas.
From Barron's • Dec. 27, 2025
Small towns were riven between people calling themselves Patriots and British Loyalists.
From Salon • Nov. 15, 2025
All their arrows were spent, and every shaft was shot; their swords were notched, and their shields were riven.
From "The Two Towers" by J. R. R. Tolkien
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
