halve

verb (used with object), halved, halv·ing.

1. to divide into two equal parts.
2. to share equally: to halve one’s rations with a stranger.
3. to reduce to half.
4. Golf. to play (a hole, round, or match) in the same number of strokes as one’s opponent.

Idioms

5. halve together, to join (two pieces of wood) by cutting from one, at the place of joining, a portion fitting to that left solid in the other.

verb (tr)

1. to divide into two approximately equal parts
2. to share equally
3. to reduce by half, as by cutting
4. golf to take the same number of strokes on (a hole or round) as one’s opponent

v.

c.1200, halfen “to divide in halves;” see half. Meaning “to reduce by half” is from c.1400. Related: Halved; halving.