Cleave vs. Cling — What's the Difference?

To split with a sharp instrument. ]

To hold fast or adhere to something, as by grasping, sticking, embracing, or entwining

(transitive) To split or sever something with, or as if with, a sharp instrument.

To remain close; resist separation

To break a single crystal (such as a gemstone or semiconductor wafer) along one of its more symmetrical crystallographic planes (often by impact), forming facets on the resulting pieces.

To remain emotionally attached; hold on

(transitive) To make or accomplish by or as if by cutting.

A clingstone fruit.

To split (a complex molecule) into simpler molecules.

Fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit.

(intransitive) To split.

Adherence; attachment; devotion

Of a crystal, to split along a natural plane of division.

To hold very tightly, as to not fall off.

(technology) Flat, smooth surface produced by cleavage, or any similar surface produced by similar techniques, as in glass.

To adhere to an object, without being affixed, in such a way as to follow its contours. Used especially of fabrics and films.

To part or divide by force; to split or rive; to cut.

(transitive) To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.

To part or open naturally; to divide.

To be fond of, to feel strongly about and dependent on.

To part; to open; to crack; to separate; as parts of bodies; as, the ground cleaves by frost.

To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast, especially by twining round or embracing; as, the tendril of a vine clings to its support; - usually followed by to or together.

Separate or cut with a tool, such as a sharp instrument;

To cause to adhere to, especially by twining round or embracing.

Make by cutting into;

Adherence; attachment; devotion.

To adhere, cling, or stick fast.

Fruit (especially peach) whose flesh adheres strongly to the pit

To be faithful

Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation;

Followed by to or unto: to adhere, cling, or stick fast to something.

To remain emotionally or intellectually attached;

To adhere closely; to stick; to hold fast; to cling.

Hold on tightly or tenaciously;

To unite or be united closely in interest or affection; to adhere with strong attachment.

An ornament that clings to a window so as to be seen from outside.

To fit; to be adapted; to assimilate.

(transitive) To cause to dry up or wither.

Come or be in close contact with; stick or hold together and resist separation;

(intransitive) To dry up or wither.

To produce a high-pitched ringing sound, like a small bell.

To make to dry up or wither.