Rive (verb)

1. To split or tear something apart with force.
2. To break up or destroy something by or as if by tearing.

Origin:

Old english rīfan, of germanic origin; related to dutch rijven and german reißen.

Examples:

1. He had to rive the wood to make kindling for the fire.
2. The wind was so strong it rived the branches from the tree.
3. The ship was rived in two by the powerful waves.
4. The company was rived by internal conflicts and eventually collapsed.
5. He rived the envelope open with his finger.