The word "cleave" comes from two Anglo-Saxon words that mean: 46% said a) to split 12% said b) to adhere 42% said c) both a) and b) 0% d) none of the above The word cleave is actually derived from two Anglo-Saxon words that are opposite in meaning: cleofan, which means "to split"; and clifian, which means "to adhere." So...what does it mean? It means both! The answer is c.