adjective
- forming or expressing division or distribution.
- creating dissension or discord.
adjective
- causing or tending to cause disagreement or dissension
- archaic having the quality of distinguishing
c.1600, “having a quality of dividing,” from Latin divis-, past participle stem of dividere (see divide (v.)) + -ive. Meaning “producing discord” is from 1640s. Related: Divisively; divisiveness.