riven
v. C1 Advanced US //ˈɹɪvən// UK //ɹˈɪvən// riv·en
v. split or broken into many pieces. You use this to describe something that is no longer whole, like a country or a group of people.
v. split or shattered into fragments; deeply divided. Often used to describe political or social groups that have lost their unity.
The country is riven by political disagreements.
The once-unified community became riven by the new housing project, leading to years of public protest.
The empire was riven by internal corruption and external pressures, making it impossible for the central government to maintain control over its distant provinces.
From Middle English riven, past participle of rive (“to rive”). Compare Old Norse rifinn, past participle of Old Norse rífa (“to pick, scratch, rive”).