1. past tense of cleave: to split or divide something with a sharp tool
2. past tense of cleave: to stick firmly to something
Usage: archaic or literary

Examples

• The lumberjack cleaved the log in half with his axe.
• She cleaved the watermelon into neat slices.
• The sword cleaved through the enemy’s armor.
• Lightning cleaved the dark sky during the storm.
• The faithful dog cleaved to its master’s side.
• He cleaved to his principles despite pressure to change.