to adhere closely; stick; cling (usually fol. by to ).

to remain faithful (usually fol. by to )

to cleave to one's principles in spite of persecution.

verb

join , meld , unite

verb

carve , chop , crack , cut , dissect , dissever , disunite , divorce , hack , hew , open , part , pierce , rend , rip , rive , separate , sever , slice , stab , sunder , tear asunder , whack , abide by , adhere , agree , associate , attach , be devoted to , be tight with , be true , cling , cohere , combine , freeze to , hold , join , link , remain , stay put , unite , slit , split , stick , be loyal , bisect , break , cleft , clove , divide , rift , shear , tear