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splinter up

C1 neutral inseparable both
In simple words

To break into lots of small sharp pieces, like when wood cracks apart

Literal meaning: To break up into splinters — mostly transparent

Meanings

1 C1 neutral

Of a material (especially wood), to break into many sharp, jagged fragments

"The old door had splintered up along its entire length from the force of the impact."

Grammar: inseparable
2 C1 idiomatic neutral

Of a group or organization, to divide completely into smaller, opposing factions

"The coalition splintered up after the leaders failed to agree on economic policy."

Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes

Less common than 'splinter off' or simply 'splinter.' Often used to describe wood, organizations, or political groups fragmenting completely. The 'up' particle intensifies the sense of total disintegration. Relatively rare in everyday speech; more common in written or journalistic contexts.

Commonly used with

wood party coalition group organization structure

Forms

Base
splinter up
I/you/we/they
3rd person
splinters up
he/she/it
Past simple
splintered up
yesterday
Past participle
splintered up
have + pp
-ing form
splintering up
continuous

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Synonyms

shatter fragment break apart splinter off disintegrate crumble

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